ISOPA represents the manufacturers of aromatic diisocyanates and polyols, the main raw materials for polyurethanes in Europe.
Latest News
Our July 2025 Newsletter is out!
Our July 2025 Newsletter is out! In this edition, discover the latest insights into: The latest ISOPA team news The REACH restriction on...
Safe Use of Diisocyanates Wins Best Professional Development Offering at Association Success Awards 2025
We are honoured to announce that the Safe Use of Diisocyanates training project has been awarded the Best Professional Development Offering at...
ISOPA Re-Elects Leadership Team
ISOPA is pleased to announce the re-election of its leadership team during last week’s General Assembly in Brussels. Christopher Metz,...
Our Industry
It is by reacting diisocyanates (MDI and/or TDI) with polyols that you obtain polyurethanes. We use polyurethanes in one form or another every day – at home, in our places of work and vehicles, for sport and leisure activities and on holiday. From the rigid foam that is used to insulate your house to the flexible foam used for mattresses, polyurethanes are used in many applications.
What are diisocyanates?
Polyurethanes, like all plastics, are polymers. They are made by reacting diisocyanates (MDI and/or TDI) with a range of polyols, to create a substance that is safe and versatile.
Application
Polyurethanes are an essential part of modern society. While often unseen, they help our daily lives across a wide range of industries. Polyurethanes are used in many applications thanks to their unique properties and versatility.
Life Cycle Thinking and Eco-profiles
In 1996, ISOPA published their first Life Cycle Inventory, or Eco-profile, of polyurethane precursors. Since then, ISOPA regularly updates the industry average datasets, including ISO compliant eco-profile on MDI and TDI.
Socio-economic data
How important is the polyurethane industry to Europe’s economy?
Polyurethanes are essential for the manufacture of countless products. The value chain is directly adding more than 363,500 jobs in the EU.
OEL for Diisocyanates
ECHA has started the evaluation of diisocyanates under the EU’s Chemicals Agents Directive (98/24/EC) to establish, if appropriate, an occupational exposure limit.
EU Policy
In order to regulate all the aspects of the production and consumption of goods and services, the European Union has developed a series of comprehensive legislation. The cornerstone of its chemicals regulation is the Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). ISOPA monitors and engages in a range of policy discussions with regards to the use and the handling of diisocyanates and polyols in the EU.
Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability
The European Commission published a chemicals strategy for sustainability on 14 October 2020. It is part of the EU’s zero pollution ambition, which is a key commitment of the European Green Deal.
Sustainability
The European Union is embarking on the transition to a climate neutral economy. The European Green deal will have an unprecedented impact on all industries across Europe and the globe, not least of all the polyurethane sector.
REACH
REACH regulation aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals. A new Restriction on Diisocyanates will enter in force on 24 August 2023.
Product Stewardship
Product stewardship is vitally important for ISOPA. It is an approach to managing the potential impacts of different products and materials. It acknowledges that those involved in producing, selling, using and disposing of products have a shared responsibility to …
Product Information
ISOPA provides information and expert advice based on research and data about the health & safety profile of diisocyanates and polyols. Together with the International Isocyanates Institute (III) – of which
One step ahead
Manufacturing with polyurethanes is a dynamic sector of the African and Middle East economy generating wealth and employment. ISOPA focuses on the behavioural safety of industrials and …
Logistics
The safe transport of diisocyanates is essential both to people and its manufacturers. All the participants in the supply chain, the manufacturers of MDI/ TDI, the transportation the transportation company and the receiver of …
Mandatory training
As from 24 August 2023, a new EU REACH Restriction will come into force making it mandatory for people handling or using diisocyanates to successfully complete a training.
Our Team
Jörg Palmersheim
Secretary General
Kristine Dewaele
Senior Office Manager
Jelle Verheij
Public Affairs & Com. Officer
Martin Piscina
Marketing & Sales Assistant