Huntsman, Pursell Agri-Tech win 2021 Polyurethane Innovation Award

DENVER— Huntsman Corp. and Pursell Agri-Tech L.L.C. are this year's recipients of the Polyurethane Innovation Award for the PurActive PU-based controlled-release fertilizer coating, which is made using Huntsman's Rimline PU system.

The award, given annually by the American Chemistry Council's Center for the Polyurethane Industry, recognizes innovative products and technologies that use polyurethane.

The PurActive coating allows nutrients to be released into the soil over a period of time, with the potential to increase yields and reduce fertilizer pollution.

"The development of PurActive is set to have a positive impact on the world food crisis, which is a growing issue after the pandemic," said Jan Buberl, vice president of Huntsman Polyurethanes Americas. "We are excited about what this technology brings to the world and the magnitude of issues it can potentially solve."

CPI senior director Lee Salamone added her congratulations.

"This exciting, groundbreaking technology helps bolster our industry's role in creating a more sustainable future," she said.

Two other PU technologies were also shortlisted for this year's award. One, the Xenith Loop non-tackle American football headgear, was made using BASF's Elastopan 42320 energy absorbing foam.

The other is Ford Motor Company's graphene-enhanced PU foam, which has improved sound-proofing and heat performance. This is now being used in a variety of under-hood motor vehicle components.