SPONSOR INTERVIEW

Neil Beckhusen, CEO at SEKISUI Voltek

1. Can you share a brief overview of SEKISUI Voltek and its mission?

SEKISUI Voltek is a leading manufacturer of high-performance, physically cross-linked polyolefin foam. Our flagship product, Volara®, serves a variety of industries, from automotive to healthcare to construction. Our mission is to deliver innovative foam solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and community impact.

2. What sets SEKISUI Voltek apart from other foam manufacturers?

What makes SEKISUI Voltek unique is our expertise in producing closed-cell, physically cross-linked foam with exceptional consistency, durability, and versatility. We partner with our customers to solve challenges, tailoring our solutions to fit their specific applications. Additionally, our commitment to ISO 9001-certified processes ensures we maintain the highest quality standards.

3. How does your company address sustainability in foam production?

Sustainability is a major priority for us. We’ve been making progress on removing PFAS from our foam, which will be a significant milestone. We also incorporate recycled resin into our manufacturing processes, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. These initiatives, along with our focus on energy efficiency and minimizing our environmental footprint, reflect our dedication to sustainability.

4. What are some of the biggest challenges currently facing the foam industry?

The foam industry faces challenges such as tightening environmental regulations, the need to innovate with sustainable materials, and rising costs. Meeting these demands requires balancing sustainability, performance, and cost-effectiveness, all while maintaining high quality.

5. What role does innovation play in staying competitive in this market?

Innovation is critical. At SEKISUI Voltek, we continually invest in R&D to develop new products and improve existing ones. Our team works closely with customers to understand their needs and anticipate market trends, allowing us to stay ahead of the curve. From enhancing material performance to addressing environmental concerns, innovation drives everything we do.

6. How will the removal of PFAS from your foam impact your customers and the market?

We are pleased with the progress we are making to develop grades without PFAS as it aligns with global efforts to eliminate harmful substances from products, ensuring greater safety for consumers and the environment. For our customers, it will mean peace of mind knowing they’re using a product that meets the highest environmental standards without compromising performance.

7. How do you foster a culture of innovation and quality at SEKISUI Voltek?

We empower our team by creating an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. Also, our collective knowledge globally allows us to accelerate innovation and quality enhancements quickly.

8. What are you most proud of regarding your team's achievements?

I’m incredibly proud of the team’s resilience and adaptability, especially in navigating challenges like removing PFAS from our products and embracing sustainable manufacturing practices. Their dedication to innovation, quality, and customer service has solidified SEKISUI Voltek’s reputation as a trusted partner and industry leader. Teamwork remains the pilar of our success.

9. What excites you most about participating in Foam Expo 2025?

Foam Expo 2025 is an incredible platform to showcase our latest innovations and connect with industry leaders. We are excited to share how our solutions are shaping the future of foam applications, while learning from others in the field. It’s a unique opportunity right in our backyard to collaborate and inspire growth within the industry.