BASF and Stockmeier Urethanes USA have announced the commercial production of Stobielast S polyurethane binders for playground and recreational surfacing made with 100% domestically produced Biomass Balance (BMB) Lupranate methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI).

BASF produces the BMB MDI at its Verbund site in Geismar, Louisiana. This achievement represents a pivotal milestone in the surfacing industry and highlights both companies' commitments to driving a more sustainable future.

The use of BMB Lupranate in the polyurethane manufacturing process allows STOCKMEIER Urethanes to leverage more sustainable solutions without the need for reformulations, new production equipment or changes to its supply chain. Creating polyurethane binders from mass balanced isocyanates complements Stockmeier Urethanes’ efforts to promote environmental stewardship and a more circular economy.

The Stobielast S product line also includes water-based & solvent-free coatings, GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD GOLD certified products, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased labeled products.

"With playground season in full swing across North America, we are excited to team with BASF and become the first U.S. polyurethane pour-in-place (PIP) binder manufacturer to forge a domestic partnership over BASF’s BMB isocyanates," said Christian Martinkat, President and CEO of Stockmeier Urethanes USA.

"This collaboration marks a significant advancement toward enhancing product innovation and expanding manufacturing capabilities in the surfacing industry. We can take a big step toward greater sustainability of our products by offering a version of our highquality PIP binders produced with renewable feedstock-based MDI. This partnership advances our goal of reducing STOCKMEIER Urethanes' carbon footprint worldwide."

“At BASF’s Monomers division, we are proud to partner with Stockmeier Urethanes as the company scales up its more sustainable production of PIP binders using BMB MDI,” said Stefan Doerr, Senior Vice President, Monomers North America at BASF. “All of our BMB MDI products are certified according to globally recognized ISCC PLUS and REDcert² standards and produced right here in the United States.”