Woodbridge develops a CO2 neutral seat foam for automotive applications

MISSISSAUGA — Woodbridge’s scientists have developed a process to integrate biogenic carbon (biocarbon) in its purest form into the company’s high-performing polyurethane seating foam chemistry. The new product, TrimVisible™ BIO, reportedly enables a cradle-to-gate reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) footprint for seating foam without compromising material properties, performance and comfort. This technology reportedly contributes to the reduction in CO2 footprint for the lifetime of the vehicle.

The original TrimVisible™ (recognized for its black color) was reportedly released as a molded seat foam solution that provided a craftsmanship improvement and lower total seat system cost. TrimVisible™ LE was the second generation offering that established a benchmark for low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and low odor performance in the industry.

Woodbridge has partnered with a certified sustainable managed forest and developed a proprietary process to convert residue from lumber processing into a high-purity form of biocarbon. After a lifetime of net CO2 absorption, dead or decaying trees and forest waste are normally a source of CO2 emissions through decomposition or combustion as part of the biocarbon lifecycle. The Woodbridge process reportedly sequesters the biocarbon by effectively locking CO2 in a form that can be used to engineer solutions that significantly reduce the CO2 footprint of products. Woodbridge scientists have formulated chemistry to displace conventional urethane chemicals with biocarbon to manufacture TrimVisible™ BIO, a patent-pending technology that offsets the company’s Scope 1 CO2 manufacturing emissions to net-zero.

“With the launch of TrimVisible™ BIO, we are now adding carbon-neutral foam products to our portfolio to help reduce global warming potential,” said Mike Irwin, Vice President, Advanced Product and Chemical Technology. “I am pleased that this will enable us to support our customers in reaching their supply chain carbon reduction goals while displacing fossil fuel-based chemicals with a completely sustainable alternative.”

“Woodbridge is a world-leading seating foam manufacturer and is focused on bringing our customers climate-neutral, renewable, and sustainable technologies as a key part of our forward-looking product strategy,” said John Zianis, President and CEO. “Through our R&D activities, we continue to find ways to succeed in replacing fossil-fuel-derived materials with environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions to improve our future competitive position.”