About us
ISOPA is the European trade association for producers of diisocyanates and polyols – the main building blocks of polyurethanes.
The association was founded in 1987 and is based in Brussels, Belgium. ISOPA is an affiliated organisation of the European Chemical Industry Council, CEFIC. ISOPA’s members include BASF, BorsodChem, Covestro, Dow, Huntsman and Shell Chemicals.
ISOPA’s mission consists of three pillars: Product Stewardship, Advocacy and Communication.
Mission
Product Stewardship
ISOPA promotes the highest standards of best practice in the distribution and use of diisocyanates and polyols and works to continuously improve safety, health and environmental standards across the European polyurethanes industry.
Advocacy
ISOPA engages with policymakers at the EU & national levels to deliver relevant and up-to-date information and data on diisocyanates and polyols.
Communication
ISOPA connects with the value chain and other industry associations to fulfil society’s present and future needs in terms of energy efficiency, safety and sustainability. ISOPA also communicates with numerous stakeholders outside the industry.
Timeline
ISOPA is founded
ISOPA was founded in Brussels to engage on policy issues
New research
ISOPA commissioned a series of reseach work to assess recycling and recovery options of end-of-life of polyurethane-based articles
First EHS programme
The Logistics EHS programme was launched to encourage the safe transport and storage of diisocyanates and polyols
First eco-profiles
ISOPA published the first series of life cycle inventories (or eco-profile) of polyurethanes precursors MDI, TDI and polyether polyols
One Step Ahead in Africa
One Step Ahead programme encouraged the safe use of TDI by flexible foam makers in Africa
Walk the Talk
ISOPA launched the Walk the Talk product stewardship programme to promote the safe production of polyurethane
Polyurethanes.org Website
ISOPA launched the Polyurethanes communication campaign with the www.polyurethanes.org website and with a YouTube channel
European Tranparency Register
ISOPA created an entry on the European Transparency Register
Polyurethanes Passive House
Construction began of the Polyurethanes Passive House in Brussels
Green Week
Commissioner Potozcnik visits the ISOPA Booth during the Green Week
Status change
ISOPA becomes an AISBL
New Address
ISOPA moves to the European district to be closer to policymakers
OEL discussions begin
Advocacy on the process by the EU to introduce an OEL
New guidelines
ISOPA published the 4th edition of the Guidelines for the Safe Loading/Unloading, Transportation and Storage of TDI and MDI in Bulk
Adoption of new restriction
Commission adopted a restriction on Diisocyanates
New driver training platfom
ISOPA created a digital platform to train drivers of diisocyanates
Emergency Guidelines
ISOPA updated the guidelines on Emergency Responses
New training platform
ISOPA launched the Digital Training Platform www.safeusediisocyanates.eu in the context of the REACH Restriction on Diisocyanates
After Covid activities
First General Assembly Meeting in person after the Covid-19 Pandemic