ADDITIVES | MATERIALS
Innovation in additives targets recycling issues
Formulation experts have identified solutions that restore flow characteristics and physical properties. New additives can help recycled polyolefins, PET and PVC, writes Jennifer Markarian
As companies seek to increase recycled content without sacrificing performance, additives of various types mitigate some of the problems that come with recycled materials, such as polymer degradation, substandard optical properties, or the variability in flow properties common in post-con- sumer recycling (PCR) streams. New measurement tools in development seek to further optimise the use of additives in bringing performance of recycled materials up to par. Nexam Chemical has been developing its
Reactive Recycling additive masterbatches to enhance the performance and cost-effectiveness of recycled plastics by tuning flow characteristics. Nexamite products include grades designed for rPP, rPET, and rPE. The company reported late in 2024 that it had
progressed from industrial trials to commercial sales of its additives, with a key customer placing recurring monthly orders for a specific application. “This specific customer leverages Nexam’s unique additives to incorporate a larger share of lower- grade recycled raw materials into their production
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process, achieving a significant reduction in raw material costs. For this specific customer, using Nexam Chemical’s additives has generated double-digit cost savings and significant process improvements. Depending on the customer’s existing raw material mix, cost savings of 25% are not uncommon when implementing Reactive Recycling technology,” Nexam said. In October, the European Patent Office (EPO) confirmed that the company’s patent concerning rPP, which was already in force in Sweden, can be extended to all countries in Europe where Nexam Chemical chooses to register the patent. “Our innovations in recycled polypropylene enable our customers to meet or even exceed EU packaging recycling targets for 2025 and 2030,” said Christer Svanberg, Chief Technology Officer at Nexam Chemical. “By offering advanced solutions for recycled plastics, using cost-effective mechani- cal recycling methods, we enable the industry to close the loop, reduce waste, and drive circularity. This patent grant is not only a testament to the scientific value of our technology but also to the
Main image: Avient has developed ColorMatrix Amosorb 4020L, a shelf life extender oxygen
scavenging additive for PET packaging which benefits recycling
March/April 2025 | PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD 13
IMAGE: AVIENT
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