Polyols for polyurethane dispersions from captured carbon by Econic
Last update on Jun 23, 2026
Econic Technologies announced a new polyols technology for high-performance polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) based on captured CO₂. According to the company, paint and coatings brands using PUDs made with its renewable carbon technology can enhance product performance, make stronger environmental claims, and mitigate hydrocarbon sourcing risks.
View Econic Technologies's full product range directly in the Master Catalog of Coatings.
Adhesion and durability against UV and water exposure
According to the company, polycarbonate ether (PCE) polyols, this new technology creates strong substrate adhesion, durability, and resistance to environmental factors (e.g., UV and water) similar to or better than incumbent technologies. PCE polyols are a direct replacement for polyether polyols, polytetramethylene glycols (PTMEG), and polycarbonate glycol (PC). They are colorless, odorless, and offer the added benefit of allowing formulators to fine-tune properties by adjusting the amount of CO₂ incorporated at the molecular level.
Designed to support companies with Scope 3 climate targets, PCE polyols have a carbon footprint up to 30% lower than standard polyols. They can be used alone or in combination with recycled and bio-based polyols to make fossil-free formulations.
“PCE polyols go beyond sustainability. We’re setting a new standard of performance. With our technology, coatings companies can deliver an even better customer experience that just happens to have a lower carbon footprint. On top of that, carbon dioxide is abundant and affordable, giving manufacturers a way to hedge their supply chains against the kind of volatility the industry has weathered before and will again,” said Econic’s CEO Keith Wiggins.
Econic licenses its technology to polyols manufacturers in the US and Asia, including Monument Chemical and Changhua Chemical. Both manufacturers are currently producing PCE polyols ideal for use in PUDs. The company is also developing Recreaire, a platform technology for surfactants made from CO₂.