LEAF, the Brazilian industry that manufactures the world’s first polyurethane solution producing fully biodegradable and recyclable foams, has been invited by the UN to speak on sustainable innovation and ESG governance challenges at COP28 (28th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), being held in Dubai, UAE, until December 12th.
COP28 brings together world leaders to address concrete actions to combat the climate emergency. The conference hosts 197 countries and more than 200 leaders worldwide. LEAF’s participation is a testament to the global impact of the company’s innovation. LEAF technology, developed entirely in Brazil, offers a practical and viable solution to replace a broad range of items currently made from petroleum and used daily by people worldwide with a green, scalable, biodegradable, and recyclable product.
“This is also a great opportunity to showcase the capacity for innovation towards global sustainability, born here in Brazil,” says the company’s CEO, Jesse Mella.
LEAF polyol is renewable (plant-based) and carbon-neutral. It is used to develop polyurethane solutions with recyclable properties for various applications in different industry sectors—polyurethanes are present in multiple items, such as wall and roof coatings, mattresses, pillows, sofas, and various car parts. Since all foam made with LEAF is 100% biodegradable, the product helps reduce waste and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
“Participation in COP28 is part of our effort to promote this sustainable solution across all sectors, inspiring other market segments to embrace innovation for sustainability, making a real and viable difference in people’s daily lives,” says the CEO. “We aim to help the industry transition from theoretical discourse to practical solutions that genuinely promote the sustainable development of the future, without greenwashing.”
LEAF Polyol’s production process goes beyond creating a sustainable product; it extends to creating a sustainable and equitable system that seeks to benefit everyone involved—from the small farmers who grow the raw materials used in manufacturing to the consumers who use the products.
The company prioritizes environmental sustainability at every stage of its operations. The manufacturing process takes significantly less time than traditional products. Furthermore, energy consumption has been designed to be as low as possible and compatible with the best energy matrix, using solar energy and other renewable sources.
For every 1 kg of LEAF biopolyol produced, 0.725 kg CO2/eq is removed from the environment. In other words, the biopolyol has a negative carbon footprint. On average, the equivalent product made from petroleum (fossil-based) generates about 4 kg CO2/eq per 1 kg of material. “LEAF polyol is the first ‘carbon-capturing’ raw material in the chemical sector, and moreover, our carbon footprint is not only lower but 100% certified by international organizations and companies,” says Mella.
LEAF was founded in Itajaí, Santa Catarina. In this city, the company maintains its research and development laboratory. In early 2024, the company will begin selling and distributing in Europe as part of its business plan, which estimates strong international expansion. Preparing for much higher demand abroad than in Brazil, LEAF already has two manufacturing units in the country, providing logistical support across Latin America, and next year, it will have production units in Europe and Asia to meet international demand.
As part of its global strategy, the company will also open branches in Europe and the USA, in addition to having an office and sales center in São Paulo. “At COP28, we stand alongside major companies, entities, and world leaders, representing not only Brazil but the global chemical industry,” says the CEO. “We are partners in the polyurethane supply chain to solve the challenges of meeting environmental, productive, and economic goals, demanded by the market and society,” adds Mella. “We help generate positive impact from end to end. LEAF seeks to be part of a major transformation towards a world less dependent on petroleum.”
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