Springdale, Arkansas - Biotechnology specialists Palmer International and BioBased Technologies have formed an alliance focused on developing a new family of bio-based polyols derived from "cashew nut shell liquid" for use in rigid polyurethane foam systems.
Palmer of Skippack, Pennsylvania, has more than 50 years experience working with the cashew shell material and developing marketable products that are functional and sustainable. Palmer is responsible for scale up and manufacturing of the new products.
"This cashew polyol has strong technical merit," commented Kevin Palmer, ceo of Palmer International, in a 24 Jan news release from the companies. "Combined with our existing infrastructure and manufacturing expertise, as well as the application and marketing prowess of BioBased Technologies, we offer our customers the best, possible value," he added.
BioBased Technologies has extensive experience selling and marketing bio-based polyols, because of its Agrol polyol line, based on soya oils. It has knowledge of the rigid foam market through its well-known BioBased Insulation division. BioBased Technologies will be responsible for research and development of the new polyol in rigid foam systems, marketing and sales of the final product.
"We believe this new bio-based polyol will compliment our existing line of polyols," said Amy Sorrell, ceo of BioBased Technologies. "This allows us to use a new, renewable feedstock, and will give our customers more options to help increase the sustainability of their end products."
Both companies have collaborated in the development of the new polyol to make sure it is a bio-based drop-in replacement for the traditional polyols that it is targeted to replace.
The partners will make use of both companies' existing research and manufacturing facilities.
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