Download the guide to polyether polyols for high-performance polyurethane foams

Foam formulation advantages require a reliable supply of polyether polyols

Manufacturers across Europe can rely on Shell CARADOL® polyether polyols as the foundation for flexible foam formulations.

Foam chemistry depends on the quality and consistency of its building blocks. CARADOL polyether polyols deliver predictable performance and versatile formulation potential, helping manufacturers design foams that meet comfort and durability expectations across furniture, footwear, and mattress applications.

From porosity’s role in breathability to load-bearing strength’s effect on long-term performance, every foam attribute contributes to the end-user’s experience.

Shell CARADOL polyether polyols are available in a range of molecular weights and functionalities, making them suitable for::

  • High-Resilience (HR) slabstock
  • Flexible conventional slabstock
  • Viscoelastic slabstock
  • Cold-cure moulding (CCM)

Beyond conventional grades, Shell Chemicals also offers copolymer and graft polyols designed to increase load-bearing characteristics in flexible polyurethane foams.

Shell CARADOL flexible foam attributes chart

Discover how polyether polyols for foam promote high performance

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Explore Europe's growing demand for comfort products

As demand for comfort foams rises across Europe, so does the need for reliable, high-performance raw materials. Shell CARADOL® polyether polyols help manufacturers capture these opportunities through consistent quality, dependable supply, and proven formulation support.

A map of Europe with tagline 'Flexibility is the key to success 'Explore Europe's growing demand for comfort products'

Looking for more from your polyols for foam products?

Shell CARADOL polyether polyols provide mechanical performance and supply advantages on a global scale.

Download the brochure

What’s the difference between polyester polyols and polyether polyols?

Both polyester polyols and polyether polyols are used to make polyurethane materials, including foams. Polyether polyols are often preferred when moisture resistance, flexibility, and long-term stability are critical.

Get the formulation support you need with Shell CARADOL polyether polyols

Shell Chemicals produces a wide range of polyether polyols for furniture, footwear, mattresses, and other flexible foam products. Our polyols are designed to deliver the right balance of comfort, resilience, and processability.

Many manufacturers in the furniture, mattress and footwear industries already use Shell Chemicals’ products in their formulations and know that Shell is a reliable partner for technical and commercial assistance.

Whether you need slabstock that’s high resilience, flexible, viscoelastic, or a combination of these, Shell CARADOL can help manufacturers optimise must-have foam product qualities, such as:

  • Breathability: products like furniture and footwear need high-quality airflow to provide comfortable user experiences
  • Durability: applications like couches and chairs must support varying amounts of pressure for long periods
  • Low VOC: manufacturers must meet increasing regulations and consumer expectations for low-VOC products

Ready to advance your foam performance with proven polyether polyol technology?

Complete the form to access “Optimise foam performance for comfort products.”