25. Mar 2026
Changhua opens commercial scale plant using Econic’s CO2-to-polyol process
Econic Technologies, a tech company specialising in renewable carbon, announced that its partner Changhua Chemical has opened the world’s first commercial-scale production site for polycarbonate ether (PCE) polyols. These are a new class of sustainable polyols made from carbon dioxide. Branded as Carnol, the polyols are based on Econic’s proprietary technology. This results in cost-competitive high-performing products with a 30% lower carbon footprint compared to typical polyols.
The new site, situated in Lianyungang, China’s Jiangsu province, aims to produce approximately 80,000 tonnes of Carnol by 2026. Plans are underway to scale production to over a million tonnes in the future.
Carnol polyols are designed for use in polyurethane foams, coatings, elastomers and other applications where they provide both environmental benefits and improved performance. For instance flexible foams containing Carnol have a lower carbon footprint and superior load-bearing and tensile strength compared to industry standards, Econic contends. Other applications include lightweight automotive parts protective clothing and footwear and insulating construction materials.
“The opening of this plant is a watershed moment for the chemical industry. It demonstrates the industrial readiness of captured carbon utilization. Now brand owners and manufacturers across the whole value chain can reduce their carbon footprint by using captured CO2 as a sustainable raw material. Together with Changhua Chemical we are creating value from something that was once waste and paving the way for broad adoption of this technology in the polyurethanes market and beyond,” said Keith Wiggins, CEO of Econic Technologies.
“China’s chemical sector has an opportunity to help deliver global sustainability goals. At Changhua Chemical, we are proud to lead this transformation for the polyurethanes industry. As we bring our new plant online, we aim to drive the transition to this green technology. This market-based industrial model, utilizing readily available CO2, is replicable and will be sustainably scaled to decarbonize without compromising performance” said Dr. Gu, chairman and owner of Changhua Group.
Outside China, Monument Chemical in the US holds Econic’s polyols technology licence. The company has also signed Memoranda of Understanding with Manali Petrochemicals in India Sanyo Chemical in Japan PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited in Thailand and Chimcomplex in Romania. Furthermore, in 2025 Econic expanded its technology portfolio into surfactants with the launch of Recreaire carbonate ethoxylates.
Photo: the opening ceremony of the Lianyungang facility (© Econic Technologies)
Changhua Chemical
Econic Technologies