The lightweight protective packaging product from Storopack satisfies the most rigorous cushioning demands. Protective packaging specialist Storopack recently introduced FOAMplus 5504RC, the first polyurethane foam with renewable content.

Most foams consist of the following chemicals: 50% polyol, 40% polyisocyanates, and 10% water and other chemicals. Polyisocyanates and polyols are liquid polymers that, when combined with water, produce an exothermic (heat generating) reaction forming the polyurethane.

Because polyurethanes are petrochemical-based polymers, it is important that we recycle them whenever possible, so that precious raw materials do not go to waste. There are various recycling options, including mechanical, chemical and feedstock recycling.

It is also water-resistant. Doesn’t Harm the Environment—You may be asking yourself “how polyurethane is eco-friendly but plastic is not.” And the answer is because polyurethane doesn’t consist of any chemicals that affect endocrine and hormone systems, and it does not contribute to the PH change in soil or water.

Styrofoam contains Styrene with leaches into foods and drinks served in Styrofoam containers causing contamination. When the same container is exposed to sunlight, it creates harmful air pollutants that contaminate landfills and deplete the ozone layer.

Polyurethanes are durable products, offering many years of service. Lifetimes can vary between 3 and more than 50 years depending on the end use. An average lifetime of 15 years for refrigerators (insulated with polyurethane foam) is just one example.

PU foam may not be directly long-lasting, but its density and chemical properties ensure the mattress’s longevity. The quality of PU Foam depends on its chemical manufacturing process, density, and overall structure. It has to be durable, comfortable, supportive, and good-quality PU Foam that can cover all three bases.

Polyurethane Foam (also known as poly-foam) is the least expensive and lowest quality foam used in mattresses and mattress toppers. Generally, higher density polyurethane foam is a bit more durable while low-density polyurethane foam can degrade very quickly (sometimes within a year).

Since polyurethane has been used as a special coating for heavy duty and industrial purposes it is very durable. It lasts a very long time and usually does not crack or wear down easily. The overall durability and quality is quite good and actually way better compared to most faux leather alternatives.

Although they are both plastic products, polyurethane and vinyl are made in very different ways and have distinct properties….A Comparison of Vinyl and Polyurethane Furniture.

Phthalates are suspected of causing cancer and may adversely affect human reproduction or development. They’re found in vinyl flooring, shower curtains, synthetic leather, miniblinds, wallpaper, and anything made with PVC vinyl.

The main difference you will find is the cost. PU leather will generally be cheaper than genuine leather because it is easier to produce. PU leather will actually look fake, and will almost have a perfect, patterned texture look.

With names like Petrolatum, Petroleum, Petroleum Jelly, Petroleum Distillates and Petrol, it’s no wonder things get a little confusing. These types of Petroleum Distillates would be harmful for leather, drying the leather out and robbing it of it’s natural oils.

Typically they will withstand 3-5 Years Hydrolysis testing*. Polyester PU based materials have a relatively low cost with low resistance to humidity, heat and light. This type of PU is not suitable for commercial upholstery but is sometimes used for residential upholstery, including bonded leather fabrics.

PU Leather is made from a backing layer, such as cotton, polyester or shredded leather, with a flexible polymer. PU Leather does not contain any plasticisers, so the PU Leather is unlikely to peel or crack.

A couple of ways to prevent faux leather from peeling include applying oils such as coconut, olive, or baby oil to keep the leather from drying out and cracking, and/or applying a leather conditioner to keep the furniture completely moisturized.

PU leather is also known as the bicast leather or split leather. Leather sofas are more durable and can last long. With this durability, it does not easily crack and fades quickly. Like other PU leather products, upholsteries made from it are also easy to clean because they have silkier and more even details.

The coating compound with the PU dispersion, which is used industrially in the manufacture of synthetic leather, also formed a foam layer. This, however, burned. The application of phosphor-containing PU dispersion increased the fire resistance.

Leather has four basic grains or qualities; those are full-grain leather, top-grain leather, genuine leather, and corrected-grain leather.

• Full-Grain Leather Is the Best Quality.
• Top-Grain Leather Is the Most Common.
• Genuine Leather Is Not a Statement about its Authenticity.

Polyurethane-based faux leather does a better job when it comes to breathability due to how it’s made. It’s typically made by coating natural fabrics like cotton with polymer-based substances and then giving it final treatments that make it look like real leather.

Artificial leather is known under many names, including “leatherette”, “imitation leather”, “faux leather”, “vegan leather”, “PU leather” and “pleather”.

Real leather will feel soft and flexible, but it will also have a grainy feel. You also won’t be able to stretch faux leather, but real leather can be stretched. Lastly, real leather will feel warm, while fake leather feels cool. Leather has a distinct, oaky smell, while faux leather does not.

Faux leather is also known as polyurethane leather, or PU leather. It is an artificial leather made of thermoplastic polymer. One hundred percent PU leather will be completely vegan, unlike some types of faux leather, called bicast leather, that have actual leather.

Faux leather is a material made out of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polyurethane, or polyamide microfiber. Faux leather made out of PVC is known to be potentially harmful to your health. Faux leather also leaks toxic chemicals into the ground when placed it landfills, and emits toxic gasses when burned in an incinerator.

In fact, some people have owned the same genuine leather jacket for over 20 years. Faux leather jackets can last for many tears as well, but you can expect to replace them sooner than a genuine leather jacket. Their heavily processed and chemically treated design makes them vulnerable to wear and tear.

Benefits of Faux Leather Compared to Real Leather These would include the following: Economical – Faux leather is typically much more affordable than real leather. Durability – Faux leather is very durable and will last a long time.

Faux-leather is a lightweight material that is easy to pack away for travel or wear every day. It is a comfortable material that adds a style option for warm or cool weather. There are even jackets available that have a faux-fur liner added for a cozy, warm option when the temperatures start to drop.

The most common faux leathers currently are polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride (better known as vinyl.) There are also some polyester microfibers available which mimic the look and feel of leather. All three of these types of faux leathers are extremely durable and stain-resistant.

We recommend warm water with some washing up liquid and a non-abrasive cloth. Wring the cloth out so that it’s not dripping wet and wipe over. Follow up by drying off with a soft cloth such as a microfiber cloth. This stops general wear and tear and everyday marks from building up and making the surface look grubby.