TAGS: Sustainability / Natural Solutions
Nexam Chemical announces the scientific validation of its breakthrough Reactive Recycling™ additives. These additives are designed to revolutionize the recycling of polypropylene (PP).
This patented technology demonstrates remarkable capabilities in repairing polymers degraded during subsequent recycling cycles. It helps to address critical challenges in the plastics industry. It also enables sustainable and efficient recycling processes.
Increasing Utility in High-demand Engineering Sectors
Plastics recycling plays a key role in achieving polymer circularity. It plays a particularly important role for polyolefins where mechanical recycling is often considered a downcycling process.
Reactive Recycling™ additives have been scientifically researched and proven effective in restoring the molecular weight and improving the processability of recycled PP. It helps to increase its utility in high-demand engineering sectors.
The effectiveness of Nexam Chemical's additive has been rigorously evaluated in a recent scientific study published in the journal "Polymer Degradation and Stability". Conducted by researchers from the Department of Applied Science and Technology at the Politecnico di Torino, Italy, the study investigated the effect of thermomechanical degradation on the microstructure of PP during multiple extrusion cycles. The results showed that the introduction of Nexam Chemical's additive effectively prevented the decrease in molecular weight of reprocessed PP, while inducing favorable melt structuring phenomena.
Dr. Alberto Frache, corresponding author of the study, commented, “
Our research indicates that Nexam Chemical’s additive offers a promising pathway for achieving recycled PP with modulable flow characteristics and enhanced processability. This advancement holds significant implications for the circular economy, promoting sustainable practices and resource efficiency.”
New Possibilities for Creation of High-quality Recycled Products
The additives in question, already available on the market under the brand name Reactive Recycling™. It presents a versatile solution for both post-industrial and post-consumer mechanical recycling processes.
By preserving the integrity of recycled PP, these additives open new possibilities for waste valorization and the creation of high-quality recycled products. Moreover, this innovation aligns with the global shift towards a circular economy, driving investments and innovations across the plastics industry value chain.
“
We are excited to highlight the scientific rigor behind our Reactive Recycling™ additives, which represent a significant step towards a more sustainable future” says Christer Svanberg, CTO at Nexam Chemical. “
At Nexam Chemical, we are committed to pioneering solutions that address the challenges of polymer recycling, contributing to a cleaner, greener planet.”
“
This marks a significant milestone within polymer recycling, and I am proud to be able to share this contribution to the global plastics recycling industry. Our Reactive Recycling™ technology opens for a significantly increased use of rPP in processes currently limited to mainly virgin material, for example foaming, blow moulding, vacuum forming and film blowing”, says Ronnie Törnqvist, CEO of Nexam Chemical.
Source: Nexam Chemical