SABIC's PCR-Based Portfolio to Reduce Carbon Footprint
SABIC, a global chemical industry leader, has announced its new NORYL™ resin technology, which incorporates post-consumer recycled (PCR) content of 25 per cent or more.
This breakthrough technology aims to provide sustainable material options to customers. Through the commercialisation of various grades, including NORYL NH5120RC3 resin with 30 per cent PCR content, SABIC has successfully reduced the global warming potential (GWP) by 10 per cent compared to traditional fossil-based grades.
The versatility of the PCR-based technology allows it to be integrated into over 200 existing NORYL resin grades as well as innumerable new grades tailored to specific customer needs.
These options include reinforced grades with glass fibre and non-flame retardant (FR) grades. SABIC also offers resin customisation services and comprehensive technical support to meet diverse application requirements. This innovative and sustainable solution represents a significant advancement in polyphenylene ether (PPE)-based materials, incorporating a substantial amount of recycled content.
Joshua Chiaw, Director of Business Management for LNP & NORYL Specialties at SABIC, highlighted the company's commitment to sustainability, stating, "Our new PCR-based NORYL resin technology is a significant step in addressing customers' sustainability demands and promoting circularity. Incorporating high levels of PCR content is just one aspect of our approach to making our products more sustainable.
"We have also led the way in chemical upcycling of single-use polyethylene terephthalate bottles and are expanding the use of bio-based feedstocks. These achievements reflect SABIC's dedication to delivering groundbreaking products that contribute to a more sustainable future."
Creating PCR-based engineering thermoplastics presents various technical challenges, as explained by Luc Govaerts, Technology Director for Specialties at SABIC. He stated, "Developing PPE-based engineering resins with high percentages of recycled material is complex. However, our scientists have leveraged their product and process expertise to develop a new PCR-based portfolio.
"We are now introducing our first flame-retardant NORYL material that consistently performs well, exhibiting hydrolytic and dimensional stability as well as mechanical property retention in harsh outdoor environments. Depending on application requirements, customers may be able to replace existing fossil-based NORYL grades with our new PCR-based technology, achieving desired performance while reducing their carbon footprint."
In addition, the NORYL NH5120RC3 resin contributes further to sustainability efforts with its non-brominated/non-chlorinated flame retardance. This material, suitable for electrical applications such as HVAC enclosures and photovoltaic/solar junction boxes, has a UL94 flame rating of V1 at 1.5mm. It also offers excellent flow, heat performance, and creep resistance, delivering a well-balanced solution for various applications.
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Source: SABIC
