SABIC Launches New High-Performance Resin

SABIC Launches Advanced Resin Grade SABIC has introduced a new advanced LNP™ ELCRIN™ iQ resin made from ocean-bound plastic waste to help reduce pollution and support circularity. SABIC has unveiled LNP™ ELCRIN™ WF0061BiQ resin, a new material that uses ocean-bound polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles as a feedstock for chemical recycling into polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin. Ocean-bound plastic is mismanaged waste originating from within 30 miles (50 km) of the coast and likely to reach the ocean. The new grade represents the latest addition to SABIC's comprehensive portfolio of chemically upgraded LNP ELCRIN iQ materials that 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. Sanjay Mishra, General Manager Technology & Footprint, Specialties at SABIC, stated "We are continuously expanding our LNP ELCRIN iQ portfolio and the PET waste streams used to produce these materials to help divert more plastic from oceans, while enabling our customers to incorporate recycled materials into their products, meet their carbon neutrality targets and address consumer demand for greater sustainability." He added "Over the next decade, we expect to convert 10 billion plastic bottles into higher-performance, durable materials that deliver greater value to our customers. SABIC is committed to working with the plastic supply chain to find innovative solutions to address pressing environmental issues such as reducing ocean-bound plastic waste and achieving net-zero carbon emissions."

Circularity Without Performance Compromise

The new LNP ELCRIN WF0061BiQ grade, a glass-fiber-reinforced PBT material, features halogen-free, chlorine-free flame-retardant properties that meet UL94 V0 standard and F1 classification at 0.8 mm. It also provides excellent heat resistance, toughness and stiffness, and high flow for thin-wall molding applications in outdoor environments such as electrical equipment enclosures. All LNP ELCRIN iQ materials can serve as potential drop-in replacements for conventional PBT to help manufacturers increase the sustainability of their end products. SABIC's proprietary advanced recycling technology, which involves repolymerization of ocean-bound PET into PBT, delivers performance properties comparable to virgin material. This process exceeds mechanical recycling in terms of quality and consistency. Darpan Parikh, Customer Satisfaction Leader, Americas, SABIC Specialties, stated "According to an internal life cycle assessment conducted in accordance with ISO 14040/14044 protocols, the LNP ELCRIN WF0061BiQ compound can deliver potential reductions of up to 14% in carbon footprint and 25% in cumulative energy demand compared to glass-fiber-reinforced virgin PBT compound." "By replacing raw materials with our resins, reusing plastic waste and eliminating halogenated additives, customers can help reduce environmental impact." In addition to SABIC's new LNP ELCRIN WF0061BiQ resin based on ocean-bound PET bottles, the company has introduced numerous diverse and innovative grades to its LNP ELCRIN iQ portfolio, including glass and mineral-reinforced products and flame-retardant formulations. For example, SABIC's new LNP ELCRIN WF006XXPiQ and LNP ELCRIN WF0061XPiQ compounds contain pre-consumer recycled glass fiber diverted from industrial process waste streams. The use of recycled glass fiber further enhances the circularity of these advanced-recycled PBT materials. The diversity of these formulations enables LNP ELCRIN iQ resins to be evaluated for applications beyond electrical and electronic components, such as automotive exterior parts, medical applications and personal care products. SABIC not only creates sustainable materials, but also regularly formulates new resins and compounds using environmentally conscious and safer chemistries, such as bromine/chlorine-free flame retardants. According to the GreenScreen for Safe Chemicals benchmark score, created by Clean Production Action (CPA), a nonprofit organization, these SABIC materials and others under development are recognized or will be recognized with a score of 3 or higher out of 4. Benchmark 3 represents a relatively better outcome compared to average products and indicates only minor concern. Source