Sustainable Foams for Automotive
OBoNatureTM is setting new benchmarks for the mobility of tomorrow: resource-saving polyurethane foams made of sustainable raw materials – for vehicle interiors, headliners & seat applications
The demand for sustainable products is steadily growing – even in the purchase of vehicles. At the same time, the automotive industry is constantly looking for the latest material innovations for the components of their next models. This is not just a matter of sustainability, but also of performance optimization to increase durability and savings of material and operating costs. As a leading supplier to the automotive industry, we have developed special innovative foam products for use in modern vehicle interiors with the highest quality requirements. Being marketed under the brand name of OBoNature, they combine various sustainability aspects with superior functionality.
OBoNature Product Benefits
Responsible manufacturing through the use of sustainable raw materials derived from by-products (waste streams) of the chemical industry; thus 20 % less crude oil is needed in the raw material production.
Prolonged service life thanks to excellent hydrolytic stability and material resistance. Our unique 120 m block technology minimizes adhesive seams by 50 %.
Low emission characteristics in accordance with measurement methods VDA 278 and VDA 270. Use of halogen-free flame-retardant additives to ensure passenger safety according to FMVSS 302.
Easier processing due to excellent lamination behavior even with faster lamination processes helps to save operating costs.
Easier proProduction currently at our Duderstadt site/Germany. Local stocks can be set up in our warehouses in Greer/US, Changzhou/CN if required.cessing due to excellent lamination behavior even with faster lamination processes helps to save operating costs.
New Automotive Materials Made of Sustainable Raw Materials
The OBoNature family of products comprises diverse solutions for specific applications in the automobile: OBoSky Nature for headliners, OBoTrim Nature for door cladding & armrests and OBoSeat Nature for car seats. They are made of sustainable raw materials and are low-emission. At the same time, they display excellent hydrolytic stability and good mechanical properties. Their laminating and sewing properties enable faster and more efficient manufacturing processes.
OBoSky Nature for headliner
OBoSky Nature 3540 T is a particularly fine-pored foam with a very homogeneous cell structure and uniform color. The foam is characterized by a pronounced elastic behavior due to its optimized elongation at break and tensile strength. This ensures excellent thermoformability even in critical radii. Optimum surface structure results can be achieved without undesirable "orange peel" effects.
OBoTrim Nature for vehicle interior
OBoTrim Nature 3540 T, with slightly less fine pores, stands out by its good processing properties thanks to its good elongation at break and tensile strength, thus offering improved recovery after thermo-compression. The foam is particularly suitable for top-quality door panels and arm rests with “soft-touch-feel” surfaces.
Optimized Processing Performance With Low Emission Values
Efficient production through optimized processing performance
OBoNature products* provide excellent lamination properties compared to standard ether-based PUR foams with flame lamination properties and with comparable material density. Application field tests have shown that OBoNatureTM products can be processed at a 10 % faster laminating speed, while at the same time the material loss caused by the flame lamination is reduced by 5 % and the adhesive performance is even improved by 5 %. This means that OBoNatureTM products can be used at reduced foam thickness and still achieve excellent lamination results. This helps to reduce both material and manufacturing costs.
Health protection thanks to low emission characteristics
The VOC and fogging content of OBoNature products* is much lower than standard ether-based PUR foams at comparable material density, but is also well below the limits of VDA 278.
(Note: The VOC/FOG values refer to typical average measured values.)
* OBoSky® Nature 3540T, OBoSeat® Nature 3540T, OBoTrimTM Nature 3540T
Sustainable Polyurethane Foams for the Automotive Industry
Technical Data
Product Features | OBoSky® Nature 3540 T |
OBoTrimTM Nature 3540 T |
OBoSeat® Nature 3540 T |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Sustainable share | 13 % | 13 % | 13 % | |
*Density [kg/m3] | DIN EN ISO 845 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
Tensile strength [kPa] | DIN EN ISO 1798 | > 110 | > 100 | > 90 |
Elongation at break [%] | DIN EN ISO 1798 | > 200 | > 180 | > 150 |
Compression set [%] | DIN ISO 1856 | < 6 | < 6 | < 7 |
Pore structure | very fine | fine | normal | |
Thermoforming properties | excellent | good | normal | |
Flame lamination | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
Hydrolytic stability | DBL 5450 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Low emissions | VDA 278 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Flame retardancy | FMVSS 302 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
* The indicated data refer to typical values and slight variations are in general within the specification.
Please consult your local sales representative at FoamPartner to obtain the actual product data sheet with the latest technical product details.

Planet, People & Performance
“We create long-term added value and benefits for all interest groups – with regard to economic, environmental and societal aspects, and carry this out in our daily work.”
The FoamPartner Sustainability Principle
Our Solutions for Vehicle Interior, Headliners & Car Seats
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