ACC - American Chemistry Council
08/13/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/13/2026 09:20
CPI Announces 2026 Polyurethane Innovation Award Finalists
WASHINGTON (August 13, 2026) - Today, the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) announced All Weather Insulated Panels, Carpenter Co. and Elastochem Specialty Chemicals as finalists for the 2026 Polyurethane Innovation Award. This prestigious award recognizes companies and individuals who have released products to market between June 2024 and June 2026.
"The Polyurethane Innovation Award showcases the ingenuity, technical excellence, and leadership that moves our industry forward," said Jason Sloan, director of CPI. "This year's finalists demonstrate how innovation is solving real-world challenges and creating new opportunities across a wide range of applications. We congratulate each finalist on their well-earned recognition and look forward to celebrating their achievements at the 2026 Polyurethanes Technical Conference."
The finalists' descriptions of their innovations are:
All Weather Insulated Panels: InnovaCELL™ Technology
InnovaCELL™ represents a new frontier in insulated metal panel technology, developed to meet the growing demand for energy-efficient, fire-resilient, and more sustainable building envelope solutions. Its advanced foam core technology delivers robust fire performance, while low-smoke characteristics help reduce risks to occupant safety, protect sensitive equipment, and support business continuity.
In addition to enhanced fire performance, InnovaCELL™ improves thermal efficiency and incorporates recycled PET materials, helping reduce energy consumption and lower the embodied carbon associated with building construction.
Carpenter Co.: Casper Core+™
Casper Core+™ is a 100% polyurethane foam mattress core designed to replicate the support and feel of traditional metal coils in a single, integrated component. By combining side-edge rails and support structures into one foam core, it enhances the comfort, performance, and durability of all-foam mattresses.
Mattresses made with Casper Core+™ are lighter than traditional hybrid spring mattresses, making them easier to transport and handle while also reducing end-of-life environmental impacts through a simpler, more streamlined recycling process.
Elastochem Specialty Chemicals: Insulthane® OCX Plus with X-PASS™ Technology
Insulthane® OCX Plus with X-PASS™ Technology redefines open-cell spray polyurethane foam by combining advanced fire performance with improved jobsite reliability. Designed to achieve AC377 Appendix X compliance for use in attics and crawlspaces without a prescriptive ignition barrier coating, this product simplifies installation. Its proprietary sucrose-free formulation delivers more consistent processing and spray performance, while a distinctive light gray color allows for easier product identification and inspection.
Built on X-PASS™ Technology, a scalable fire-performance platform, the product achieves a Class 1 (ASTM E84) fire rating without the use of halogenated flame retardants, aligning with evolving environmental and regulatory expectations.
The finalists will present their submissions at the opening session of the 2026 Polyurethanes Technical Conference on October 5 in Orlando, Fla. An expert technical panel has scored the finalists' submissions, and attendees will vote. The winner will be announced during the Closing Session & Awards Luncheon on October 7.
Follow CPI on LinkedIn and X for more updates and join the conversation using #PolyCon26.
American Chemistry Council
The American Chemistry Council's mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably-for generations to come.
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ACC - American Chemistry Council published this content on August 13, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 13, 2026 at 15:20 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]