Sealing and Insulating Can Improve the Sustainability of Your Home
Depending on the size and age of your home, sealing and insulating can exceed the boundaries of a DIY project. Often, homeowners will contract with a professional to do the work. As such, sustainability-minded homeowners should know about the latest product enhancements so that they can speak to their contractor about using safe and sustainable products to seal and insulate their homes.
Froth-Pak™ Spray Foam is one example. A professional spray foam sealant sold at The Home Depot, Froth-Pak™ Spray Foam is made by DuPont Performance Building Solutions. Recently, the manufacturer announced that it had reformulated Froth-Pak, effectively making a huge reduction in the carbon footprint of the product itself. To do this, DuPont found a way to reduce the “Global Warming Potential” (GWP) of the blowing agent, a key ingredient, by an impressive 99%. The annual climate benefit from this ingredient change is estimated to be equivalent to eliminating the annual emissions from 200,000 cars. This contributes to helping The Home Depot reduce its own carbon footprint through reduction of Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, and it contributes to helping professional contractors and, ultimately, homeowners, reduce their carbon footprint and play their part in protecting the planet also.
Froth-Pak Sealant Helps Eliminate Air and Moisture Leaks
What is Froth-Pak Sealant, and How Does it Work?
Froth-Pak Sealant, sold as a kit, is a two-component, quick-cure polyurethane foam that fills penetrations and cracks in rim joists, roof wall junctures and around pipes and ducts greater than 2″ and less than 4″ wide. It is a product designed for and used by professionals in residential projects, primarily.
Froth-Pak is an expanding foam that cures in 30 minutes. Once cured, it can be cut, sanded, or painted as needed. It is a critical first step in any insulation project, as it can eliminate the passage of air and moisture.
Froth-Pak™ is one of those behind-the-scenes products that homeowners may not purchase directly, but that still can be used in their home. And homeowners can certainly ask for it by name. Because the products used in your home, become part of your home.
– Nick Bramwell, The Home Depot, Insulation Merchant
The Reformulation Effort of Froth-Pak
The reformulation of Froth-Pak™ was a massive undertaking that involved a multidisciplinary effort at DuPont. The team accepted no shortcuts and faced plenty of challenges, including the need to launch a research and development effort to reformulate Froth-Pak™ and redesign the product’s dispensing nozzle during the pandemic. Perhaps the biggest hurdle was achieving desired product performance, as the team was intent on providing a low carbon footprint formulation that offered the same or better performance as what professional contractors expected before.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the effort.
Recognition for Sustainability and Innovation
It’s not every day that products are reformulated to drive a GHG reduction as large as this achieved by reducing the blowing agent GWP by 99%. And unsurprisingly, the chemical and sustainability communities have taken note. Froth-Pak has received several prestigious awards for sustainability and innovation including:
2021 American Chemistry Council (ACC) Sustainability Leadership Award
2021 Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) Innovation Award
2022 Edison Silver Award in Sustainability
The Froth Pak™ innovation advances DuPont’s commitment to sustainability and its 2030 Sustainability Goals, which include a commitment to reducing GHG emissions from operations 30% relative to 2019 operations.
DIY Spray Foam and Sealants
For DIY projects that require sealing, try GREAT STUFF™ products from DuPont, which are Eco Options-certified for energy efficiency.
About DuPont Performance Building Solutions
DuPont Performance Building Solutions is a global innovation leader in the building and construction industry, providing products and materials for all six sides of the building envelope. By developing solutions for managing the air, water and thermal performance of buildings and residences, we help our customers build energy-efficient, resilient, and durable shelters in a rapidly changing world. Backed by unmatched industry insight, building knowledge, and technical support, as well as world-class brands such as Styrofoam™ Brand, Tyvek®, Great Stuff™, and Froth-Pak™, our products and services portfolio enables customers to focus on what they do best, no matter where and how they choose to build.
About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, healthcare, and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com.
DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, ℠ or ® are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted. © 2022 DuPont.
