In recent years, ocean-bound plastic, plastic waste that originates within 50 km of the coast and is likely to end up in the ocean, has increasingly been recognised as a potentially recoverable, recyclable resource. Ocean-bound plastic is mismanaged waste that originates within 30 miles (50 km) of the coast and is likely to end up in the ocean. Today, a multitude of efforts have been launched directed at preventing this waste from reaching the ocean, preventing more marine pollution and re-using this as source material for new products .
While the recovered waste can be mechanically recycled, more and more often, chemical recycling is also being opted for, as this makes it possible to upcycle the waste into high-quality plastic resin.
An example is LNP Elcrin WF0061BiQ, produced by Sabic as the latest addition to Sabic’s portfolio of chemically upcycled LNP Elcrin iQ materials. This family of materials can serve as possible drop-in replacements for conventional PBT to help manufacturers increase the sustainability of end products. Sabic’s proprietary repolymerisation technology delivers virgin-like performance properties.
Like the other resins in the LNP Elcrin iQ portfolio, the new recently launched LNP Elcrin WF0061BiQ uses ocean-bound polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles as a feed stream for chemical upcycling into virgin like polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin. The resin is suitable for use in consumer electronics applications such as fan housings in computers and automotive seating, as well as electrical connectors and enclosures.
“Within the next decade, we anticipate upcycling 10 billion plastic bottles into higher-performing, durable materials that deliver enhanced value to customers,” said Sanjay Mishra, GM Technology & Footprint, Specialties, Sabic.
LNP Elcrin WF0061BiQ grade is a glass fiber-reinforced PBT material that features non-brominated, non-chlorinated flame retardancy meeting the UL94 V0 standard at 0.8mm and F1 rating. It also delivers excellent heat resistance, toughness and stiffness, and high flow well-suited for moulding thin-wall applications for outdoor environments such as electrical equipment enclosures.
“According to an internal life cycle analysis conducted in accordance with ISO 14040/14044 protocols, LNP Elcrin WF0061BiQ compound can offer potential reductions of up to 14% in carbon footprint and up to 25% in cumulative energy demand, when compared to the virgin PBT compound reinforced with glass fiber,” said Darpan Parikh, Americas Customer Fulfillment Leader, Specialties, Sabic. “By replacing virgin material with our resins, customers can help reduce environmental impacts by reusing plastic waste and eliminating halogenated additives.”