Wolfhausen, Switzerland – FoamPartner lifted a production freeze at the plant here on 18 October 2017 after atmospheric tests showed that if dichlorobenzene from contaminated BASF TDI was present it was below the threshold value.
The production freeze started on 6 October, when the firm was contacted by BASF, which informed FoamPartner that some TDI produced between August 25 and September 29, 2017, contained a significantly higher concentration of dichlorobenzene than is normal in on-spec material.
BASF announced on 11 October that it would take back contaminated material and according to FoamPartner ‘the major part of products manufactured with it.’
The firm continued that unused stocks of TDI and foam which had been manufactured had been isolated and prepared for BASF to collect.
FoamPartner has concerns however.
The firm said in a statement: ‘Specific questions in connection with BASF’s take-back of products that have already been delivered to the retail chain remain to be clarified. Conzzeta [FoamPartner’s parent] understands that, as the polluted substances and products are being taken back, all direct costs will be borne by the manufacturer. It is not yet possible to provide a comprehensive assessment of the damage suffered or indirect consequences.’
Recticel recently announced that it had restarted production at sites affected by deliveries of the contaminated TDI from BASF. Both Silentnight and Eve Mattresses saw production interruptions due to contaminated BASF TDI to allow them to carry out tests.
