Demand from the construction, drainage, water and horticultural sectors is driving Axion Polymers' technical capability for sustainably-sourced and competitively-priced high-grade polymers.
A recent example for the Manchester-based plastics recycler with bio-reactor packing pieces saw Axion's team achieve the precise melt flow rate to rapidly fill a complicated 24-up injection moulding tool.
Following technical consultations at the customer's site, custom compounds were developed to suit the process.
The polymer underwent extensive tests to ensure the formulation was correct. The initial success led to Axion supplying a further variation to the original polypropylene grade.
Axion's range of Axpoly high-grade recycled plastics is sourced from its end-of-life vehicle recycling facility, the Shredder Waste Advanced Processing Plant at Trafford Park and refined further at its advanced polymer processing site in Salford.
Product development technologist Mark Keenan said: “More manufacturers are recognising the value of using recycled polymers that not only can be modified to suit specific requirements, such as adjusting melt flow, impact resistance and tensile strength, but also are genuinely sustainable.”
“We are working with a number of new customers, including a building components manufacturer, for whom we have developed polymers with specific characteristics for their respective products. Of course, all customers also benefit from the opportunity to reduce their carbon impact, the cost savings on virgin plastics and reliable, consistent supply.”