Conclusions and recommendations of the foam density report

1.   The information and guidance contained in the World Bank OORG Foam Density Report 2000 of 25 June 2000 should be shared with all the Implementing Agencies.

2.   Rigid polyurethane insulation foam projects should be based on the definitions of market segments as defined in Table 1.

3.   For each MLF project the overall densities of the foams in the baseline case and with the alternative technologies should be determined using ISO 845. This will enable the data bank to be expanded and enhanced.

4.   The density changes applied in rigid polyurethane insulating foam projects should follow the values listed in Table 3.

5.   Where enterprises are operating, in the baseline case, at lower densities than those listed in Table 3 the percentage increases in density should be applied.

6.   For rigid polyurethane foam projects where incremental operating costs in are given for two years the first year should be based on the “start-up” density and the second year on the “mature” density. For those projects where incremental operating costs are met for six months then the “start-up” density should be used.

7.   For flexible moulded foam, where the technology to replace CFC-11 is invariably C02 (water) blown there is no increase in density. However, formulations might need to be changed to maintain performance/OEM specifications, but no general rules can be drawn up regarding formulation changes.

8.   For integral skin products, this segment is best considered on a case by case basis.

9.   The Working Group should be reconvened when it is deemed necessary so that it can update its findings.

And some concluding remarks:

This study is extremely important for the cost effective phase-out of ODS in foam projects. The TOR was broad in concept and this report attempts to present the findings in a clear and concise fashion.

The data input was based on two sources. The first was from a study of data from MLF projects provided by UNDP and The World Bank. The second was the experience (a total of 146 years) and on-going learning of the members of the Foams Working Group. Both sources are invaluable.

It is inevitable that further information would have enhanced the data bank but is unlikely to have changed the conclusions.

Table 1 Rigid polyurethane foam segmentation

For non-insulating polyurethane foams the sub-segments are:

Table 2 Flexible moulded foam segmentation

Table 3 Densities for rigid polyurethane foams

(UNEP/OzL.Pro/ExCom/31/61, Decision 31/44, para. 68).

(Supporting document: UNEP/OzL.Pro/ExCom/31/53).