Automotive seats, fan housings, and electrical connectors and enclosures are among the potential applications for the new resin.
Sabic launched a new Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) compound on the market. This material, the company explained, has been manufactured with plastic waste from the ocean, especially Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles that have been recovered.
The new grade, LNP Elcrin WF0061BiQ, is the latest addition to Sabic’s portfolio of chemically recycled LNP Elcrin iQ materials, which help support circularity and serve as potential drop-in replacements for virgin PBT resins. .
LNP Elcrin WF0061BiQ resin can be used in consumer electronics applications such as fan housings in computers and car seats, as well as connectors and electrical cabinets.
“We are continually expanding our portfolio of LNP Elcrin iQ, and the PET waste streams used to produce these materials, to help divert more plastic from the oceans while helping our customers incorporate recycled materials into their products, achieve their carbon neutrality and meeting consumer demand for greater sustainability,” said Sanjay Mishra, GM Technology & Footprint, Specialties, Sabic.
“Within the next decade, we anticipate recycling 10 billion plastic bottles into higher-performing, durable materials that deliver greater value to customers. Sabic is committed to working with the plastics supply chain to find new solutions that address pressing environmental issues, such as reducing plastic waste in the oceans and achieving net zero carbon emissions,” he added.
Direct replacement for virgin PBT
According to Sabic, LNP Elcrin iQ materials can serve as potential drop-in replacements for conventional PBT to help manufacturers increase the sustainability of end products.
Sabic’s proprietary upcycling technology, which involves repolymerizing ocean-sourced PET into PBT, offers virgin-like performance properties. This process outperforms mechanical recycling in quality and consistency, according to the company.
“Based on 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. , compared to the virgin. Composite of PBT reinforced with fiberglass”, said Darpan Parikh, Americas Client Compliance Leader, Specialties, Sabic. “By replacing virgin material with our resins, customers can help reduce environmental impacts by reusing plastic waste and eliminating halogenated additives.”