RECYCLING | ADDITIVES
Additives aim to complete the circle
As companies strive to include more recycled plastics content in packaging and other applications, additives will play an increasingly important role, Jennifer Markarian writes
The EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regu- lation (PPWR), with its requirements for packaging recyclability and recycled content, is expected to drive innovation in and greater use of recycled plastics. The PPWR replaced the Packaging Directive in February this year, and companies are working on implementing provisions that will take effect in August 2026 and subsequent years. In addition to packaging, the EU is moving forward with rules to cover the lifecycle of vehicles, including manage- ment of end-of-life vehicles and minimum require- ments for recycled content in new vehicles. Other geographic regions outside of the EU are also moving forward with recycled content initiatives. Additives to improve the properties and
processing of recycled plastics will play a key role in enabling companies to meet minimum post- consumer recycled content (PCR) requirements in
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various applications and polymer types. Depend- ing on the recycle stream, PCR can have higher flow variability than virgin plastics and may also contain degraded polymer or contaminants. Additives can counteract degradation, smooth out flow, and compatibilise contaminants to mitigate negative effects, among other benefits. Because polymers can degrade when they are
exposed to heat and shear during reprocessing, as well as to harsh conditions during use in their initial life, stabilisers that protect the polymer chains from degradation are crucial. Baerlocher says that its Baeropol T-Blends are customised for specific applications with stabilisers as well as other functional additives and are available in a 100% active, dust-free pastille form for easier handling than powders. Alternative forms, including gran- ules and masterbatches, are also available.
Main image: Additives such as stablisers can provide the missing piece of the puzzle when using recycled plastics
� October 2025 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 45
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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