Recycled Plastics Reinvented: A Sneak Peek into H1 2023's Additives

TAGS:  Sustainability / Natural Solutions      Additives for Packaging      Surface Modification      Formulations and Transparency    

Recycled pre-polymers are in the spotlight. The world's focus is shifting towards sustainability. Reducing plastic waste is a top priority.

This shift in attention is driving the interest in recycled pre-polymers. They play a crucial role in addressing these sustainability goals.

Challenges with Recycled Pre-polymers

There are several challenges associated with their use:

• Recycled pre-polymers suffer from contamination,
• Inconsistent quality and performance,
• Often lacks efficiency,
• Higher cost with recycled pre-polymers.

The latest additives aim to tackle the challenges of recycled pre-polymers. These additives tackle impurities, improve properties, and boost durability. They also make recycled and virgin materials work better together. The goal is to tap into cost-saving advantages.

Let's dive into the latest additives, unveiled in the first half of 2023. Their innovation promises a greener and more sustainable future.

Additives for Upcycling rPET

Nexam Chemical Introduces Additives for Upcycling of rPET

These new additives make it easier to upcycle low IV rPET from trays or fibers into a higher IV rPET grade. It reduces brittleness, improves melt strength, and stabilizes the process, increasing throughput.

• NEXAMITE^®M021200 is an IV enhancer in PET carrier. It is good for recycling of PET into applications that require high IV.
• NEXAMITE^®M992000 is a linear IV enhancer in PET carrier. It reduces acid concentration for improved hydrolysis resistance. It is free from epoxy and epichlorohydrin derivatives.
• NEXAMITE^®F101 is an IV enhancer specifically designed for fiber spinning applications.

Avient’s Solutions for Improved rPET Quality

• ColorMatrix^™ Smartheat^™ RHC Process Aid – It's a liquid dispersion. It boosts rPET content in products. Also, it enhances the quality of recycled PET (rPET). Additionally, it plays a role in energy reduction.

Additives for Optimizing PP And rPP Performance

Milliken’s New Solutions for Improved Recyclability in polypropylene & recycled polypropylene

• DeltaMax^® and DeltaFlow^® enhance PP impact copolymers and recycled PP. DeltaMax enhances physical and flow properties. It allows for increased recycled content usage and energy savings. DeltaFlow increases melt flow rate hence reducing energy use.
• Hyperform^® HPN^® additives boost stiffness in pre- and post-consumer rPP. They don't compromise impact resistance.
• Millad^® NX^® 8000 ECO clarifying agent helps produce the durable, fully transparent, highly recyclable material known as NX UltraClear^™ PP.

Optimizing Recycled PE Performance with Cutting Edge Solutions

Ampacet’s Masterbatch for PE Films

• BIAX4CE^™ masterbatches come in two types: additives and white masterbatches. These are tailored for PE film structures. They're designed to meet specific quality and processing needs.

• The Muted Metal Collection mimics the weathered metals’ look. They offer shine and reflectivity with a matte finish. And they maintain recyclability.

Milliken’s Solutions for Improving Barrier Properties in PE

UltraGuard^™ Solutions by Milliken increase barrier properties in polyethylene (PE). This allows converters to use thinner materials (downgauge). Plus, it makes more recyclable, mono-material PE packaging possible.

Source: Curated by SpecialChem