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A blowing agent is a substance used for forming a cellular structure through the foaming process, in which various materials, including plastics, metals, and polymers, undergo a phase transition. Additionally, the density decreases, while the thermal and acoustic insulation of the cellular structure in the matrix increase, along with the original polymer’s relative stiffness. 

Polystyrene is widely utilized as a foam material known as expanded polystyrene or extruded polystyrene, as it is highly valued for properties such as insulating and cushioning. Foam polystyrene can include 95% air, and it is utilized to make home and appliance insulation, surfboards, lightweight protective packaging, automobile parts, road banks, roadway stabilization systems, and many more products.

The closed cell structure of polystyrene allows for only a little fraction of water absorption, and it can be utilized as an insulated panel system for walls, facades, roofs, and floors due to its durability and high strength. EPS can also be used as floatation materials in marine and pontoon construction and railway and road construction as a lightweight filling.

Polymer foams possess a low density and heat insulation, with high specific strength and corrosion resistance, which result in their extensive industrial and civil applications. The polymer matrix of the polymer foams contains a huge number of tiny holes, known as a pores. Polymer foams are developed by utilizing chemical, physical, and mechanical foaming with foam injection or foam extrusion molding. Moreover, by utilizing supercritical fluids, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide, in the molding process, polymer foams with higher dimensional stability and lower weight can be formed. 

In addition, flexible polyurethane foam is produced by the chemical reaction between isocyanates and polyols. The cellular structure of the EPF facilitates some degree of compression and resilience, causing a cushioning effect. EPF is highly preferred for automotive seating, footwear, athletic equipment, bedding, packaging, furniture, and carpet cushion. Furthermore, it also holds significance in filtration and soundproofing. The U.S. produces and consumes more than 1.5 million pounds of foam each year.

Moreover, the Montreal Protocol is a landmark environmental agreement among the governments of various nations to minimize the usage of substances that cause ozone layer depletion. The protocols cover the consumption and production of around 100 man-made chemicals, known as ozone-depleting substances. When released into the atmosphere, these chemicals cause damage to the stratospheric ozone layer, which protects the earth from the harmful UV radiations of the sun.

The major substances to be controlled in this treaty include CFCs, halons, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, HCFCs, F (HFCs), and methyl bromide. Therefore, the key companies of foam blowing agents in the U.S. are making huge investments to scale the production of zero-ODP and low-GWP blowing agents, such as methyl formate, inert gases, and HFOs.

The major foam blowing agent companies in North America are Exxon Mobil Corporation, Sinochem Group, Zeon Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Solvay S.A., Daikin Industries Ltd., Harp International Ltd., and Arkema S.A.

Therefore, the massive consumption of PU foam in North America boosts the demand for foam-blowing agents in the region.