Econic Technologies, a deep-tech company focused on renewable carbon solutions, announced that its partner Changhua Chemical has inaugurated the world’s first commercial-scale production facility for polycarbonate ether (PCE) polyols made using captured carbon dioxide. The new polyols, marketed under the brand Carnol™, are produced using Econic’s proprietary technology. This process converts captured CO₂ into a valuable raw material, enabling the production of high-performance polyols with approximately 30% lower carbon footprint compared to conventional polyols.
New Production Facility in China
The commercial production site is located in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China. According to the companies, the facility is expected to produce around 80,000 tonnes of Carnol polyols in 2026. Looking ahead, the partners plan to scale production to more than one million tonnes in the coming years, positioning the technology as a significant step toward large-scale carbon utilization in the chemical industry.
Applications Across the Polyurethane Industry
Carnol polyols are designed for use in a wide range of polyurethane-based products, including flexible and rigid foams, industrial coatings, elastomers and adhesives and specialty materials. These materials are widely used across industries such as automotive, construction, footwear, and protective equipment. In addition to environmental advantages, Carnol polyols also deliver performance improvements. For instance, flexible polyurethane foams produced using Carnol demonstrate enhanced load-bearing capacity and improved tensile strength, while simultaneously reducing the overall carbon footprint. Potential application areas include lightweight automotive components, protective apparel and footwear, and insulating construction materials, all of which benefit from both durability and sustainability.
A Milestone for Carbon Utilisation
Industry leaders view the new plant as a major milestone in the commercialisation of carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies. Keith Wiggins, CEO of Econic Technologies, emphasised the significance of the development for the broader chemical sector.
“The opening of this plant is a watershed moment for the chemical industry. It demonstrates the industrial readiness of captured carbon utilisation. Brand owners and manufacturers across the value chain can now reduce their carbon footprint by using captured CO₂ as a sustainable raw material,” Wiggins said. He added that the collaboration with Changhua Chemical highlights how waste carbon can be transformed into valuable products, paving the way for wider adoption of the technology in the polyurethane market and beyond.
Driving Sustainable Transformation in Chemicals
Changhua Chemical also highlighted the strategic importance of the project for the chemical industry’s sustainability goals. Dr. Gu, Chairman and Owner of Changhua Group, noted that the initiative reflects China’s potential to contribute to global decarbonisation efforts. “China’s chemical sector has an opportunity to help deliver global sustainability goals. At Changhua Chemical, we are proud to lead this transformation in the polyurethanes industry. This market-based industrial model, using readily available CO₂, can be replicated and scaled to decarbonise production without compromising performance,” Dr. Gu said.
Expanding Global Partnerships
Beyond China, Econic Technologies is expanding the global reach of its carbon utilisation technology through multiple partnerships. In the United States, the company has licensed its polyols technology to Monument Chemical. Meanwhile, Econic has signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with several international partners, including Manali Petrochemicals in India, Sanyo Chemical in Japan, PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited in Thailand and Chimcomplex in Romania. These collaborations aim to accelerate the adoption of CO₂-based polyols and sustainable polyurethane materials worldwide.
Expanding Technology Portfolio
Econic Technologies is also broadening its innovation pipeline beyond polyols. In 2025, the company introduced Recreaire® carbonate ethoxylates, expanding its technology platform into sustainable surfactants. These development reflects the company’s broader strategy of using captured carbon dioxide as a feedstock for a range of specialty chemicals, thereby reducing reliance on fossil-based raw materials.
Toward a Circular Carbon Economy
The launch of Changhua Chemical’s commercial plant demonstrates how captured CO₂ can be integrated into industrial manufacturing at scale. By combining advanced catalysis with established chemical production processes, the partners are creating a new pathway for low-carbon materials in the polyurethane value chain. As per the press release, as the chemical industry intensifies efforts to reduce emissions and adopt circular carbon solutions, technologies such as CO₂-based polyols could play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of sustainable materials.
