Future Polyurethane Uses: What else could polyurethane be used for?

There’s been a long spell of exciting growth trends for polyurethane. However, the peak in demand is still a long way off. What are future polyurethane uses?

Regular readers of our polyurethane guides and insights will know that we believe this versatile material is limitless in its ability to craft parts and components. Whatever the dimensions, performance requirements or tensile properties, and even if that polyurethane product is intricate and exacting.

We also believe that our faith in polyurethane’s ability to rise to any challenge will be fully tested in 2022 and beyond.

Why will interest in PU continue to grow? Mainly as it is increasingly recognised as the best material to precision engineer parts for a wide range of industrial applications. However, it’s also finding niches in homes, gardens and especially vehicles.

This is a dynamic topic, but here are just some future polyurethane uses in 2022 and beyond.

Greater emphasis on sustainability

The search for ‘greener’ ways to produce machinery parts – and mass-produce everyday items – will no doubt gain momentum in the future.

There are important polyurethane attributes that make it a great solution for these specifiers who want sustainable product materials. That includes the incredible durability of polyurethane, reducing how often parts need to be replaced.

Is polyurethane recyclable? It most certainly is!

Also, it involves a low-energy manufacturing process. You can read more about this in our polyurethane manufacturing explained guide.

Also, natural, sustainable elements (water and carbon dioxide) are used to create flexible PU foam. Plus, polyurethane in all its forms is light in weight and offers valuable insulating advantages, adding to energy efficiency in construction for example.

The steps involved in creating, moulding and finishing polyurethane are governed by strict regulations and controls. Adding to the value of polyurethane as a safe, non-toxic material.

Also, it’s the ideal material for water jet cutting. The skilled engineers at Custom Moulded Polyurethane shape polyurethane (and other materials) using advanced water jet technology, as it is such an environmentally-sound method. It also produces a flawless finish.

Keep reading: 5 Products that could be made out of Polyurethane but currently are not

Lean manufacturing and cost control

This is another current industry trend likely to ramp up future polyurethane uses. Particularly in the automotive sector, where profit margins are ever-sharper, and pressure is on to find sustainable solutions.

However, polyurethane uses by industry are expanding all the time, from aerospace companies to firms who create car parks!

One of the main reasons for this industrial diversity is price. Despite its ability to match if not improve on the properties of rubber, polyurethane is highly advantageous when costing out prototypes. Or, to produce parts in large quantities.

The longevity of items engineered from polyurethane has cut down on machinery downtime, repairs and part replacement projects too. All of which contribute to improved productivity.

How many more industries will switch to polyurethane parts? Our guess is many!

Related article: Polyurethane for the Boat Industry

Lighter side of future polyurethane uses

As it’s so vital for industrial parts, it’s easy to forget that polyurethane applications can also be highly creative and innovative. Including feather-light foams in household furnishing furniture, and bedding.

Versions of polyurethane are used to manufacture clothing and footwear, a trend on a definite upward trajectory. Innovative future polyurethane uses are likely to also include new ways of optimising its abilities as a coating or adhesive agent.

As the properties and colours of polyurethane are infinitely changeable, it is likely to be used for many more everyday household items. Such dependable and safe toys and play equipment, durable kitchen and gym equipment and even decorative statement walls in homes.

Could there be whole buildings made from polyurethane one day soon? As it can be produced to be as hard as stone – and impervious to moisture, mould and extreme temperatures – that’s not as far-fetched as it sounds.

It is already the material of choice for many companies that make outdoor furniture, or artists who create pieces to display in open spaces.

Even the world of film and TV production is increasingly embracing the advantages of polyurethane, to create lightweight but realistic props and special effects.

Related article: Polyurethane can be used as an adhesive

5 Common Products that could be Better made of Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a really versatile material that can be used in many different products. We can be more inventive and find new ways to use polyurethane as it is strong, waterproof, resistant to mould and can be rigid or flexible. Let’s explore how it can be used for making running shoes, bags, a waterproof coat, bookcases and even for lining the bathroom walls.

1. Waterproof coat

We are all now more aware about recycling our clothes and buying clothes that will last that much longer. At the moment there are many fabrics that are made with a polyurethane finish that makes the fabric waterproof.

This can be seen in products such as nappies and shower curtains. So why not use this technology for making a waterproof coat that features many layers?

We know that polyurethane can be both flexible and soft or hard, so why not combine these two properties to make an entire coat that is tough, durable and keeps you dry? All aspects of the coat could be made from polyurethane, including the zip, poppers and lining.

2. Bookshelves and bookcases

It is a well-known fact within the manufacturing world that polyurethane is much more pliable and easier to work with than wood. So, if you are trying to buy less wood for your home then one wonderful alternative would be to buy products that are made of polyurethane, such as shelving and bookcases.

Polyurethane shelving and bookcases would be just as strong as a wooden shelf and just as attractive. It’s already used in commercial flooring, so why not shelving?

It can be personalised to your choice of colour and finish, plus another great benefit is that the polyurethane bookcase will not warp or grow mould when in a damp environment. It would also be possible to add decorative detail or create the shape of your choosing.

Related article: 5 Common Polyurethane Products You Didn’t Know About

3. The running shoe

As we mentioned when discussing the waterproof coat, there are many fabrics that contain polyurethane, so why not make a running shoe that is made only of polyurethane? This makes perfect sense as polyurethane simply ticks all the boxes that are needed in a functional and comfortable running shoe.

It is entirely possible to make a running shoe with a flexible and stretch to fit polyurethane upper that both hugs and supports the foot. This can also be coated in a waterproof covering, keeping you dry as you run or work out. The sole can be made from hard polyurethane that will create a hardwearing and durable sole. The shoe can be made in any colour and you’ll be able to throw it in the washing machine.

4. Lining for bathroom walls and wet rooms

Why not say goodbye to bathroom tiles? It makes absolute sense to use polyurethane sheets or blocks to line the walls of bathrooms or wet-rooms.

As we already know, polyurethane is more pliable than wood, and it is much easier to cut and handle than tiles and splash-backs. They will also be much lighter.

Polyurethane resin is used to lay floors, but we can easily take this idea and use it to protect the walls in our bathroom. Polyurethane sheets, tiles or blocks can easily be made and then applied to the wall. Not only are they easy to clean and waterproof, but they won’t attract the growth of mildew. It is the hygienic and long-lasting solution.

Also read: 5 most common uses of polyurethane

5. Shopping bags

Finally, another product that could be made from polyurethane is the humble shopping bag. We all need to stop using disposable plastic shopping bags that end up in landfill. The polyurethane shopping bag provides you with a great alternative as this bag would be built to last.

The bag could be made from polyurethane fibres that would make it lightweight and easy to roll up in your bag. It would also be incredibly strong and durable, especially if it was made with reinforced polyurethane handles, similar to the bands that are now being made for sports’ watches. The bag would be easy to hold, waterproof and any colour you wish it to be.

What future uses of polyurethane can you think of?

The team at Custom Moulded Polyurethane could explore the theme of polyurethane products and exciting future applications for hours. As we understand its incredible potential, and the opportunities to manufacture polyurethane to match any specification.

The big question is, how are you going to ‘mould’ the many benefits of polyurethane into your development plans?