MOSCOW (MRC) -- Clariant is taking proactive steps in addressing the problem of plastic pollution with new solutions for diverse industry sectors, from packaging – the main use of plastics – to textile floorings and consumer electronics, said the producer.
Complementing its “fit for reuse” solutions announced August 21 where Clariant demonstrated how its additives are recyclable, it now showcases the next level, turning the spotlight on how its additives can make it easier to recycle post-production and post-consumer plastic waste while keeping the material’s performance properties.
Increasing manufacturing waste reuse in packaging films. Newly-developed AddWorks PKG 906 Circle for polyolefin films is a prime example of enabling plastic packaging producers to achieve some of their critical sustainability and business goals: waste reduction, less consumption of virgin resin, lower costs and increased production efficiency. The addition of this polymer stabilizer allows producers to significantly increase the reuse of waste materials in their polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) films, recycling their own reground scrap, without any loss of performance or processing efficiency.
Clariant also offers more additives allowing recyclate-use to be increased. On the processing side, high performing lubricants can be added to recycled polymers to improve the flow and mold release properties of recyclates. A recycler of post-consumer electronic waste for example is cooperating with Clariant, using its Licolub® H 12 to modify the recyclate’s rheology at low dosages to achieve melt flow improvement during processing and ultimately help transform components that have reached their end of life into high-quality new products. Clariant is also at an advanced stage in being able to market its compatibilizer range for use in recycling to help overcome the problem of utilizing post-consumer or post-industrial mixed plastic waste streams, so that plastics from plastic-rich waste streams can be efficiently reintroduced into the primary cycle.
Stephan Lynen, Head of BU Additives, Clariant comments: “300 million tons of plastic waste are generated every year and only 2% are effectively recycled. Closing the loop for plastics starts with designing materials that are easier and economically efficient to recycle. We’re therefore very proud that we are able to innovate additives which can help plastic manufacturers to become part of the solution in the transition to a circular economy. Our support for the packaging, carpet and electronic industries are great examples of how advanced innovation can divert waste materials from landfill or incineration and make them recyclable. Our additives can help to increase recycling yields, and avoid degradation, odor and discoloration. We will continue to develop additives that increase the reuse potential of industrial and consumer waste. Our commitment is without alternative."
MRC