American specialty chemicals company Monument has kicked off the first US-based production of polyols made from renewable carbon at its Brandenburg, Kentucky facility, marking a major milestone in sustainable materials innovation.
The new line, branded Poly-CO2, uses Econic Technologies’ proprietary process to replace fossil-based feedstocks with captured carbon dioxide, cutting global warming potential by 20–30%.
With Poly-CO2, Monument positions itself at the forefront of green chemistry, turning captured carbon into high-performance materials while setting a new standard for environmental and industrial leadership.
Poly-CO2 polyols, a type of polycarbonate ether (PCE) polyol, are designed for high-performance polyurethane applications in furniture and mattresses, automotive components, apparel, footwear, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers.
By incorporating carbon at the molecular level, the new materials deliver tangible performance benefits, including enhanced resilience in mattress foams and improved durability in coatings.
"Historically, new technologies face significant barriers in processing, handling, and application feasibility,” said Deb Schofner, Monument Sales Director. “Econic’s technology allows us to upcycle waste CO2 into high-performance polyols while overcoming many of these commercialization hurdles. We’re thrilled to partner with Econic to advance industry innovation.”
Poly-CO2 polyols also bring notable environmental benefits. Beyond reducing the carbon footprint of end products, they support circular design by keeping carbon in use and out of the atmosphere. They can be used alone or in combination with recycled and bio-based polyols and are compatible with emerging recycling systems.
Unlike some other CO2-based materials, Poly-CO2 works seamlessly with standard surfactants and catalysts, ensuring consistent performance, quality, and stability.
The initial launch will be at pilot scale, with plans to expand to full commercial production in the coming years.
“This is more than just a product launch,” said Don Phillips, Vice President, Oxides. “Monument is taking a leadership role in an industry that is highly standardized, showing that sustainable innovation is both feasible and commercially viable. We’re creating products that meet customer needs while driving positive change for the future.”
Keith Wiggins, CEO of Econic Technologies, emphasized the broader impact: “Companies worldwide are transforming their product portfolios for a more sustainable future. Monument is leading the way in the U.S. by commercializing renewable-carbon polyols, giving their customers a competitive advantage and setting a new benchmark in sustainable materials.”
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