Elix Polymers introduces an ABS/PC material with post-industrial recycled content

Spain-based styrene-based thermoplastics producer Elix Polymers recently launched a sustainable product range under a new brand name: E-Loop. these products are the result of the company's circular economy and responsible innovation strategy, which aims to increase the use of recycled materials in Elix Polymers products.

The brand was launched in February 2021 and today covers a wide range of materials. One of the first products to be launched as part of the mechanically recycled materials group is E-Loop H801 MR. Formulated from post-industrial recycled polycarbonate, this ABS/PC product offers an alternative to Elix's standard high-heat and high-impact grade Elix ABS H801.

The material is already available and is being sold in Germany and many other European countries by Hamburg-based distributor K.D. Feddersen. "We are pleased to have taken another step forward in sustainability with our partners and customers." says Hermann Legatzki, head of product management at K.D. Feddersen.

The product is primarily used for exterior and interior paint applications; however, it can also be used as a pre-coloured alternative. High quality and security of supply have been the two main objectives in the development process, creating a material with a low carbon footprint but with material properties comparable to standardised stone-based grades.

The sprayability of the new E-LOOP H801 MR grade has been proven by several first-tier companies and paint suppliers. In tests based on Daimler DBL 5425 and BMW GS94007 standards, the paintability of the material was evaluated with various paint systems and in all cases was rated as equal to the standard product, including in terms of adhesion and surface quality characteristics.

In addition, the PVD metallised decorative process was validated by one of the largest companies producing lighting systems for the automotive industry, with very good results.

According to Elix, further sustainable ABS products using recycled or renewable raw materials are already in the pipeline and will soon be added to the product line. This will save fossil resources and improve the carbon footprint.