14 Jul 2023
Swedish compounders trial combinations of materials to cut emissions, improve recyclability
Malmo, Sweden – Swedish compounders Hexpol TPE and Polykemi have collaborated to cut the carbon footprint of two-component (2K) part for consumer-product applications.
The partnership combines expertise in the selection of materials that offer optimised performance properties while supporting eco-design principles, Hexpol said 30 June.
Products include a non-fossil-based ABS from Polykemi, overmoulded with a Hexpol material comprising recycled polypropylene and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with bio-circular attributed content.
The result, said Hexpol, was a 77% reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), according to product carbon footprints data.
The combination is also offers benefits in terms of end-of-life and recycling compatibility, said Hexpol – without elaborating further.
The partners also tested combinations using mechanically recycled ABS with bio-circular attributed TPE.
The result, it said, was a 57% reduction in CO2e compared to the fully fossil-based equivalents.
‘Bio-circular attribution’ of the TPE used in the process was via the mass balance approach using second generation feedstocks.
“To bring real change and deliver the needed transition of the plastics industry, we must collaborate,” said Klas Dannäs, sustainability director at Hexpol TPE.
The project, he added, used “collective know-how” to enable combinations ‘with the lowest carbon footprint and highest recyclability possible while ensuring adhesion performance and durability.’
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