Monument Chemical has officially begun producing polyols made from renewable carbon at its Brandenburg, Kentucky facility—the first operation of its kind in the United States. The company’s new Poly-CO₂ product line uses polycarbonate ether (PCE) polyols developed with Econic Technologies’ carbon utilization process, which replaces fossil-based feedstocks with captured CO₂ and reduces global warming potential by 20–30%. This milestone marks a major advancement in sustainable polyurethane production.
The Poly-CO₂ portfolio is engineered for a wide range of high-performance polyurethane applications, including furniture and mattress foams, automotive components, footwear and apparel, elastomers, coatings, adhesives, and sealants. By incorporating carbon directly into the polymer backbone, these PCE polyols can deliver enhanced material performance. For example, polyurethane foams gain improved resilience, while coatings benefit from increased durability—key attributes valued across industries seeking next-generation low-carbon materials.
Beyond performance, Poly-CO₂ offers significant environmental advantages. By keeping captured carbon in circulation, these polyols support circular chemistry and help manufacturers reduce the overall carbon footprint of their end products. The materials can be used on their own or blended seamlessly with recycled or bio-based polyols and are compatible with emerging recycling systems. Econic’s proprietary renewable carbon technology also solves common challenges associated with other CO₂-based polyols, ensuring stable formulation, smooth processing, and simplified handling. Foam producers, for instance, can continue to rely on the same surfactants and catalysts used with traditional polyether and polyester polyols. Meanwhile, the even distribution of CO₂ along the polymer chain ensures consistent quality and long-term material stability.
The Poly-CO₂ product line will debut at pilot scale, with full commercial production planned in the coming years.
“This marks an important leap for Monument and the broader market,” said Deb Schofner, Sales Director at Monument. “New technologies often face hurdles such as processing limitations and handling concerns. With Econic’s breakthrough platform, we can upcycle waste carbon dioxide into high-performance materials while removing many of these barriers to commercialization.”
Don Phillips, Vice President of Oxides, added, “Our industry is pushing toward net-zero, but change often requires someone to take the first step. By introducing renewable-carbon polyols, Monument is demonstrating what’s possible—showing that we can meet customer needs, expand capabilities, and accelerate innovation while driving positive environmental impact.”
“Companies globally are shifting their portfolios to address societal and sustainability goals,” said Keith Wiggins, CEO of Econic Technologies. “Monument is leading the transformation in the United States by being the first to commercialize renewable carbon polyols, giving their customers a meaningful competitive edge.”