Changhua launches first commercial CO2-based polyols plant using Econic technology, enabling scalable, sustainable materials with reduced carbon footprint and strong performance.
Econic Technologies, a pioneering deep-tech firm specializing in renewable carbon solutions, has announced a significant milestone in sustainable materials manufacturing through its collaboration with Changhua Chemical. The partnership has led to the commissioning of the world’s first commercial-scale facility dedicated to producing polycarbonate ether (PCE) polyols derived from captured carbon dioxide. Marketed under the brand name Carnol™, these innovative polyols represent a new generation of environmentally responsible materials, offering both high performance and a substantially reduced carbon footprint—approximately 30% lower than that of conventional polyols.
The newly inaugurated production facility is situated in Lianyungang, within Jiangsu province, China. This plant marks a major advancement in the industrial application of carbon capture and utilization technologies. It is expected to produce around 80,000 tons of Carnol polyols in 2026, with ambitious plans to expand output capacity to over one million tons in the coming years. This scale-up reflects growing confidence in both the technology and market demand for sustainable alternatives in the chemical industry.
Carnol polyols are engineered for use across a broad range of applications, particularly in the polyurethane sector. These include flexible and rigid foams, coatings, elastomers, and other high-performance materials. Products manufactured using Carnol demonstrate not only environmental advantages but also enhanced mechanical properties. For instance, flexible foams made with these polyols exhibit improved load-bearing capabilities and greater tensile strength compared to traditional alternatives. Additional applications span lightweight automotive components, protective clothing and footwear, and insulation materials used in construction—sectors where durability, efficiency, and sustainability are increasingly critical.
According to Keith Wiggins, CEO of Econic Technologies, the launch of this facility represents a transformative moment for the global chemical industry. He emphasized that the successful commercialization of carbon dioxide as a viable raw material proves the readiness of carbon capture technologies for large-scale industrial use. By converting CO2—traditionally viewed as waste—into valuable products, the initiative enables manufacturers and brand owners throughout the value chain to significantly lower their environmental impact while maintaining product quality and cost competitiveness.
Dr. Gu, Chairman and Owner of Changhua Group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting China’s strategic role in advancing global sustainability objectives. He noted that Changhua Chemical aims to lead the polyurethanes sector in adopting greener technologies. The company’s approach leverages readily available CO2 as a feedstock, creating a scalable and replicable industrial model that supports decarbonization without sacrificing performance. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to transition toward circular and low-carbon economies.
Econic’s technology is also gaining traction internationally. In the United States, Monument Chemical has licensed the company’s polyols technology, while additional memorandums of understanding have been signed with global partners, including Manali Petrochemicals in India, Sanyo Chemical in Japan, PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited in Thailand, and Chimcomplex in Romania. Furthermore, in 2025, Econic expanded its technological portfolio by introducing Recreaire® carbonate ethoxylates, extending its innovation into the surfactants market.
Together, these developments underscore Econic’s growing global footprint and its commitment to transforming CO2 into a valuable resource, driving sustainability across multiple industries.
