Automotive PU Foams & Low Odor Silicone Surfactants

Polyurethane Additives for Modern Automotive Interiors

Automotive interiors face rising expectations for performance, comfort, durability and emission reduction. Manufacturers must balance processing efficiency with low VOC and FOG emissions and improved in‑cabin air quality, while meeting increasingly stringent regional standards.

Evonik supports this transformation with a comprehensive portfolio of catalysts, performance additives, silicone surfactants, and release agents engineered to optimize molded polyurethane foam components used throughout the vehicle interior.

Do you have a question?

Explore PU - Portal for Polyurethane Additives

Polyurethane Additives for Molded Foams

The demands of the global automotive market continue to evolve, driven by stricter emission regulations, new material requirements, and regional norms standards such as VDA 278 and VDA 276. Evonik works closely with manufacturers to stay ahead of these trends and support compliant, future‑ready solutions.

Our broad portfolio of catalysts, surfactants, performance additives, and release agents is engineered to ensure efficient processing, excellent foam quality, and targeted reduction of VOC and FOG emissions. By enabling stable formulations and consistent performance, we help you meet industry expectations for comfort, durability, and low emission components in modern vehicle interiors.

Innovative additive technologies for molded polyurethane foam

Our additive solutions reduce emissions in automotive interiors and enhance comfort in premium furniture. The sections below highlight how our catalysts, surfactants, and performance additives enable cleaner, more comfortable, and more reliable molded polyurethane foams.

Automotive Seating
Dashboards
NVH Foam
Molded Furniture

Front view of black leather car seats with red stitching, showcasing low VOC silicone surfactants and zero emission catalysts for molded foam applications.

Low-emission solutions for automotive foam manufacturing

With rising pressure to reduce emissions in vehicle interiors, we continue to develop additives that meet the demanding OEM requirements. Our latest catalysts, surfactants and performance additives are designed to pass the VDA 278 test and maintain excellent performance, even after exposure to heat and moisture.

Beyond lowering VOC emissions, our silicone surfactants help shape the foam structure and improve comfort by reducing vibration. Our aldehyde scavengers further cut down on compounds such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, helping meet global industry standards.

To keep production efficient, we also offer a range of mold release agents that support clean, cost-effective manufacturing while complying with stack emission limits and OEM specifications.

Automotive dashboard with PU foam additives for strength, reliability, and low emissions

Additives for high-quality automotive PU foams

We supply surfactants, catalysts, performance additives and release agents for the full range of polyurethane foams used in automotive interiors. Selecting the right additive package is essential to the performance of molded polyurethane parts such as dashboards, steering wheels and headliners, where surface appearance, durability, and emission levels are critical. Our additives help reduce defects, lower VOC and FOG emissions, and improve the strength and reliability of the final product.

Child in car seat representing NVH foam solutions for noise and vibration reduction in vehicles

NVH foam solutions to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness in vehicles

As vehicles become lighter and shift toward electric and autonomous-driving technologies, managing interior noise and vibration remains very important. NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) foams help block out external, unwanted sound, dampen vibrations and contribute to a quieter, more comfortable driving experience. Evonik offers a broad range of surfactants and catalysts specifically developed for NVH foams. These additives optimize foam structure and performance, reducing noise and vibration, so passengers enjoy a quieter and more relaxing ride.

Cat sleeping on cushioned chair representing low-emission molded PU foam comfort in furniture

Low-emission solutions for molded foam furniture applications

Flexible molded foam is a favorite among premium furniture makers due to its versatility, comfort, and design freedom. We offer a complete package of additives for these applications, helping manufacturers meet low-emission requirements, including CertiPUR-US™. Our DABCO® NE catalysts and TEGOSTAB® surfactants have a strong track record of supporting producers in achieving these performance and emission standards.

Low Odor Silicone Surfactants

Vehicle manufacturers increasingly prioritize interior air quality, driving the need for polyurethane foams with reduced emissions and noticeably lower odor levels. Low odor has become a critical performance parameter, adding a new layer of complexity to traditional VOC reduction efforts.

Evonik’s next-generation silicone surfactants are specifically engineered for automotive seating foams. They help formulators achieve excellent foam stability, improved physical properties, and significantly reduced odor. These solutions support OEMs and suppliers in meeting stringent global emission and odor specifications while delivering premium in‑cabin comfort.

The image in back of the sports car scene behind as the sun going down with in the back. 3d rendering and illustration.

Release Agents for Automotive Molded Foams

Efficient demolding is essential for producing high-quality automotive molded foams, including seats, dashboards, armrests, and NVH components. Evonik’s GORAPUR® release agents deliver outstanding surface quality at low usage levels, ensuring smooth processing and minimizing wax build‑up inside molds.

Developed with a strong focus on environmental responsibility, our high‑flashpoint release agents support modern production lines using airless, air‑assisted, robotic, or manual application. They enable better demolding performance, lower scrap rates, and long-term mold cleanliness, directly contributing to reduced manufacturing costs and higher operational efficiency.

Backed by global technical support, we work closely with customers from formulation and product selection through line trials and scale‑up. Our GORAPUR® release agents enhance surface finish, reduce emissions, and meet the latest regulatory and performance standards.

Interior of a luxury car with light-colored leather seats featuring intricate stitching, circular air vents on the dashboard, a large digital display, and ambient lighting near the floor mats and center console.

ANY QUESTIONS? JUST CONTACT US.

Our global team of experts is ready to support you with all questions around our product and service portfolio for interfacial and polyurethane additive solutions. Contact us to profit from our long expertise and our unparalleled track record.

Send us a message