Breakthrough technology and strategic partnerships will allow wrap to be repurposed for use in Rio, Uganda and UK LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--When London 2012 wraps up, the iconic fabric “wrap” that surrounds the Olympic Stadium will live on. The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW), the Official Chemistry Company of the Olympic Games, announced today a partnership with leading UK building and development charity Article 25 and recycling company Axion Recycling to repurpose the entire stadium wrap. Dow said its textile wrap panels are slated for recycling and reuse projects in the UK, and shelter solutions for at-risk children in Uganda and Rio. Over the past year, Dow and its partners created the innovative new material for the stadium wrap, conducted extensive performance and application testing and identified viable post-Games use options. Dow developed the material to meet LOCOG’s Sustainable Sourcing Code and Temporary Material Guidelines. Dow Elastomer technology made it possible for the wrap to achieve a unique combination of durability, flexibility and fire performance. The total wrap system, including steel cables and fixtures, accounts for less than half of one percent (<0.5%) of the stadium’s total carbon footprint, making it a low carbon solution for enclosing and decorating the structure. Dow worked with the Building Research Establishment, UK (BRE) to screen and narrow the list of options for the post-Games use of the wrap. In its evaluation, BRE took into account various factors including waste creation, extent of reprocessing required, technical challenge, scale and end of second life use. The wrap is the most visible of Dow’s contributions to Olympic Games. Leading up to London 2012 Dow used the power of chemistry to bring sustainable solutions to the city of London. Dow projects included roofing and flooring in the Olympic and Paralympic Village for energy-efficient housing, resins in the unique blue and pink hockey pitch for faster and safer play, and wire and cable solutions in the International Broadcast Center to support the city’s technology infrastructure.
