KTC Co-hosts Seminar on Strategies in Response to Regulations in the Polyurethane Building Insulation Materials Industry
KTC Co-hosts Seminar on Strategies in Response to Regulations in the Polyurethane Building Insulation Materials Industry
On the 18th, Korea Testing Certification institution (KTC) announced its co-hosting of the "2023 Seminar on Response Strategies to Specific Substance Regulations in the Polyurethane Building Insulation Materials Industry" with the Korea Petrochemical Industry Association at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The seminar featured presentations on regulatory trends concerning substances like hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), utilized as foaming agents in polyurethane building insulation materials under the Ozone Layer Protection Law. Emphasis was placed on environmentally friendly foaming technologies as substitutes for these substances.
KTC addressed the environmental impact of polyurethane building insulation materials across their life cycle, presenting trends in alternative technologies for HCFC and HFC foaming agents from a building assessment perspective. Subsequently, three manufacturers showcased their accomplishments in developing five standard models of alternative foaming systems employing water, hydrofluoroolefin (HFO), and hydrocarbons.
Despite the significant environmental impact of domestically produced polyurethane building insulation materials on ozone layer depletion and global warming, HCFC foaming agents are utilized for cost-saving purposes. However, owing to the Ozone Layer Protection Law, HCFC consumption has steadily decreased since 2013, with complete prohibition scheduled for 2030.
In collaboration with the Korea Petrochemical Industry Association, KTC is actively promoting the transition of specific substances within the domestic polyurethane building insulation materials industry through the development of standard models for alternative foaming technologies for HCFC and HFC. Since 2014, KTC has been providing technology consulting for the replacement of fluorinated greenhouse gases in the refrigerant, foaming, firefighting, and cleaning sectors.
Approximately 30 representatives from construction companies and related organizations attended the seminar. A construction company representative underscored the importance of comprehending the significance of eco-friendly foaming agents in polyurethane building insulation materials and understanding domestic and international regulations regarding fluorinated foaming agents. They pledged to actively confirm the use of eco-friendly foaming agents in future material selections, recognizing the paramount importance of environmental impact.
President Sungil Ahn of KTC expressed, "Through this seminar, we anticipate that small manufacturing companies producing polyurethane sandwich panels and spray foam insulation materials will gain insights into specific substance regulations and prepare for technological transitions." He further affirmed, "We will persist in our efforts to contribute to the green transformation and sustainable development of the building insulation materials industry through KTC's testing and certification services and support for alternative technologies."
