The role of chemicals is just as important for keeping our homes warm and comfortable as well.
With rising energy costs and the threat of climate change, the energy efficiency of houses has never been more important, and effective insulation has become a priority for modern building design.
The walls, roofs and floors of many homes are insulated with lightweight polystyrene foam panels and Shell Chemicals are one of the largest producers of styrene monomer, the chemical behind polystyrene foam which is also used in the cups that keep hot drinks coffee warm.
Also, modern furniture relies on a different kind of resilient, flexible cushioning foam produced from polyurethane chemicals such as Shell’s CARADOL* range of polyols.
