Sustainable Options

The range of alternatives to traditional polymers is steadily growing, as is the range of new processes that make existing materials easier to degrade or recycle without harming the environment.

For example, a team at the University of Manchester has just developed a rapid depolymerisation process called Novacrack® that transforms mixed plastic waste into high value hydrocarbons that can be converted back into virgin polymers, thus closing the loop on the polymer life cycle (Read more about it here)

While we wait for this process and processes like it to become normal practice, we list some of the sustainable options currently available. Our engineers can help you choose the right one for your project. We can also help design components that use less material.

PVOH - Polyvinyl Alcohol

PVOH is a non-toxic water-soluble polymer. There are various grades available that can be tuned to dissolve at different speeds in hot or cold water. PVOH breaks down into acetic acid which is harmless to sea life. It can also be blended with renewable materials, such as hemp fibre.

Land Based Biodegradation Additives

This additive can be mixed with PP and some polyethelenes. It lies dormant in the plastic until it is exposed to sunshine, microbes and the enzymes found in soil. This triggers a biotransformation process that breaks the product down to a wax. This wax further degrades to water, biomass and carbon dioxide. The end result is no micro-plastic residue.

Recyclates

Recycled polymers reduce the amount of virgin material in a product. Various grades and blends of material are available, made from post-consumer, post-industrial and pre-consumer waste.

Renewable Sources

Renewably sourced polymers reduce the amount of crude oil based products used in manufacturing. We can offer a range filled with fibre waste generated from wheat, cork and hemp cultivation. These new materials offer increased rigidity, lower density, an organic appearance and a smooth, warm feel. Like traditional polymers, they can be blended with masterbatch for a range of colour options, or mixed with recyclates, to further reduce waste.

Polymers made from the waste bi-products of the corn industry are also available. These are identical to the petrochemical versions, but have a lower carbon footprint.

Trifilon Biolite – a hemp filled polymer (find out more)

PVOH - Polyvinyl Alcohol

Land Based Biodegradation Additives

Recyclates

Recycled polymers reduce the amount of virgin material in a product. Various grades and blends of material are available, made from post-consumer, post-industrial and pre-consumer waste.

Renewable Sources

Trifilon Biolite – a hemp filled polymer: find out more

Terminology

Biodegradable

A polymer that breaks down using natural elements, such as sunlight or water. The residue may be toxic.

Degradable

A polymer that will break down but relies on a chemical reaction. The residue may be toxic.

Home Compostable

The end product is non-toxic and can be used as compost.

Industrial Compostable

This process requires heat and air to encourage degradation – the product will not degrade in a home composting environment.

Renewably Sourced

A polymer made from chemicals sourced from plants, such as corn.

Post-Consumer Recyclate

Domestic plastic packaging from consumer waste.

Post-Industrial Recyclate

A waste stream generated by industrial environments that has not been touched by the consumer.

Pre-Consumer Recyclate

A waste stream generated by an industrial environment, that cannot be used again due to risk of contamination. Typically generated by medical and food manufacturers.