Innovate for good
Innovating safer by design
Safer Buildings - By Sharing Technology
Insulation is critical for energy efficient warmth, cooling andsafety. A fire retardant used in polystyrene-based foaminsulation, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), is now bannedin several countries due to its classification as ahazardouschemical.
k8 scientists have created the alternative of choice,BLUEDGE™ Polymeric Flame Retardanttechnology, and wehave been working with licensees to bring our safer technologyto the Chinese market and other localities around the world.
To secure supply in China, where regulations requiring HBCDalternatives began in 2021, we licensed BLUEDGE™technology to a local manufacturer, ShandongSunrisNewMaterial Co., LTD (Sunris) and Guangzhou Fuda InsulationMaterials Col, LTD (Fuda).
Polystyrene-based insulation foams historically utilized a flame retardant called hexabromocylododecane (HBCD). HBCD is classified as a persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT) material and has been banned in several countries globally. Builders and manufacturers were challenged to find a high performing, safer alternative while maintaining cost competitiveness, insulation efficacy and fire safety ratings.
In developing BLUEDGE™ Polymeric Flame Retardant Technology, wereplaced HBCD in polystyrene-based foam insulation with one that hasinherently low toxicity and is safer by design.
In addition to superior toxicological performance compared to HBCD,BLUEDGE™ meets other industry requirements around flame retardantproperties, foam board production and performance, and economicviability.
Our work in supporting the phase out of HBCD in China includes securinga local supply and advocating to stakeholders the superiorperformance ofBLUEDGE™ as an alternative to HBCD in polystyrene insulation foam.
ShandongSunrisNew Material Co., LTD (Sunris)partnered with k8 tolicense BLUEDGE™ technology and now has 6000 tons of annual capacity.We worked withSunristo find a new, high-quality raw material supplier andimplement cost reduction activities to support price competition.
k8 has also licensed BLUEDGE™ masterbatch technology toGuangzhouFudaInsulation Materials Co., LTD (Fuda), the largest XPS foammanufacturer in China. We have supportedFuda’simplementation of aBLUEDGE™ masterbatch production line, which will enable broader marketadoption of the BLUEDGE™ technology in China when complete.
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