Elix Polymers, a Spain-based producer of styrene-based thermoplastics, recently launched a portfolio of sustainable products under a new brand name: E-Loop. The products are the result of the company’s circular economy and responsible innovation strategies, aimed at increasing the use of recycled materials in Elix Polymer’s offering. Launched in February 2021, the brand today encompasses various materials. One of the first products launched as part of the mechanically recycled group of materials was E-Loop H801 MR. Formulated with post-industrial recycled polycarbonate, this ABS/PC product offers an alternative to Elix’ standard high heat and high impact grade, Elix ABS H801.
This material is commercially available and is sold in Germany and many other European countries by the Hamburg-based distributor K.D. Feddersen."We are pleased to take another step together with our partners and customers in terms of sustainability," said Hermann Legatzki, Head of Product Management at K.D. Feddersen.
The product is used mainly for exterior and interior painted applications; however, it can also be used as a pre-coloured alternative. High quality and safety of supply have been the two main objectives during the development, creating a material with a lower carbon footprint but with equivalent material properties as the standard fossil-based grade.
The paintability of the new E-LOOP H801 MR grade has been validated by several tier companies and paint suppliers. In tests based on the Daimler DBL 5425 and BMW GS94007 standards, the paintability of the material was assessed with various paint systems and was rated as being equal to the standard product in all cases, including in respect of the adhesion and surface quality characteristics. Furthermore, the PVD metallisation decorative process was validated by one of the largest companies in the production of lighting systems for the automotive industry, with excellent results.
According to Elix, further sustainable ABS products using recycled or renewable raw materials are already in the pipeline and will soon be added. This will conserve fossil resources and improve the carbon footprint.