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. The new grade is the latest addition to SABIC’s extensive portfolio of chemically upcycled LNP ELCRIN iQ materials, which help support circularity while serving as potential drop-in replacements for virgin PBT resins. LNP ELCRIN WF0061BiQ resin is a candidate for consumer electronics applications such as fan housings in computers and automotive seating, as well as electrical connectors and enclosures.
“We’re continually expanding our LNP ELCRIN iQ portfolio – 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 in their products, achieve their carbon neutrality goals and meet consumer demands for greater sustainability,” said Sanjay Mishra, GM Technology & Footprint, Specialties, SABIC. “Within the next decade, we anticipate upcycling 10 billion plastic bottles into higher-performing, durable materials that deliver enhanced value to customers. SABIC is committed to working with the plastics supply chain to find new solutions to address urgent environmental issues such as reducing ocean-bound plastic waste and achieving net zero carbon emissions.”
Circularity without compromising performance
The new LNP ELCRIN WF0061BiQ grade, a glass fiber-reinforced PBT material, 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 molding thin-wall applications for outdoor environments such as electrical equipment enclosures.
All LNP ELCRIN iQ materials can serve as possible drop-in replacements for conventional PBT to help manufacturers increase the sustainability of end products. SABIC’s proprietary upcycling technology, which involves the repolymerization of ocean-bound PET into PBT, delivers virgin-like performance properties. This process surpasses mechanical recycling in quality and consistency.
“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.”
