The Mission

Ætheria's mission is to protect the environment by preventing harmful gases from entering the atmosphere. To support the recycling sector, Ætheria is developing 'MonoFoam', a compact device that effectively captures harmful gases —such as CFCs, HCFCs, and HBCDs— from insulation foams, preventing their release and reducing waste destined for incineration. Through the implementation of 'MonoFoam', Ætheria's mission is to transform foam waste management, protect the ozone layer and combat climate change. Importantly, the MonoFoam can be used to mine Carbon Credits because it avoids CO2-eq emissions. These carbon credits can be used as an incentive for companies to create a mono-stream of polyurethane foam.

The Challenge

Rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR) and polyurethane (PUR) have been extensively used as insulation materials in houses (including roofs and floors), as well as in freezers, refrigerators, and car interiors. Traditionally, these foams were manufactured using ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases). Recent EU regulations created an urgent need to stop these propellants from escaping into the atmosphere, a problem that persists with conventional waste-management practices. There are significant environmental and health hazards caused by traditional propellants and flame retardants used in rigid polyurethane (PUR), polyisocyanurate (PIR), extruded polystyrene (XPS), and expanded polystyrene (EPS). Specifically, these issues are: • Ozone Depletion: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Their release into the atmosphere contributes to the thinning of the stratospheric ozone layer. • Global Warming Potential: CFCs and HCFCs have extremely high GWPs, meaning they trap heat in the atmosphere thousands of times more effectively than carbon dioxide, significantly contributing to global warming and climate change. • Toxicity and Environmental Persistence: Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), used as a flame retardant in polystyrene foams, is toxic and persistent in the environment. It accumulates in wildlife and humans, posing risks to reproductive health and disrupting ecosystems.

The solution

Ætheria is introducing 'MonoFoam', an easy-to-operate gas capturing device that prevents the release of fluorinated gases into the atmosphere. By enabling a safe and efficient recycling process, 'MonoFoam' reduces the need for incineration and also prevents the propellants from escaping into the atmosphere during conventional waste-management practices. This solution is well-aligned with new European Regulation (EU) 2024/573. Importantly, the MonoFoam can be used to mine Carbon Credits because it avoids CO2-eq emissions. These carbon credits can be used as an incentive for companies to create a mono-stream of polyurethane foam.