Technological watch

International TPE compounder HEXPOL TPE has added to their growing portfolio of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) materials containing recycled content. The new Dryflex Circular MWR TPEs contain recyclate coming from post-use maritime ropes.
Recycling Ocean Waste
For the MWR raw materials, HEXPOL TPE is working with PLASTIX A/S, a Danish plastic recycling company specialising in sorting and recycling plastic fibre waste from the maritime industry. They convert used fishnets, trawls and ropes that would previously have ended up in the ocean or on landfill into high-grade and virgin-like raw materials.
The Dryflex Circular MWR TPEs are available in 40 Shore A to 50 Shore D hardnesses with 10 to 60 % recycled content. They are available in black, blue, green and mint colours.
The new materials form part of the Dryflex Circular TPE portfolio, which also offers custom-formulated materials with PCR (Post Consumer) and PIR (Post Industrial) recyclate. Dryflex Circular TPEs are recyclable in closed-loop systems.
Continuous Efforts for Circularity
“We are continually investigating new recyclate sources to support the shift away from virgin materials. Reutilising what would be waste and giving it a new life to help keep valuable materials in circulation,” commented Jill Bradford, global marketing manager at HEXPOL TPE.
“What drew us to working with Plastix were the controls and quality of their products and that their work is evidence-based. They have conducted Life Cycle Assessment to provide data on the carbon footprint of their products," adds Bradford.
“Integrating post-consumer recycled material is essential in the world’s transition to a circular economy and requires its usage in all applications possible. We are excited to be working with HEXPOL TPE to make this happen,” states Hans Axel Kristensen, CEO and co-founder at Plastix.
Source: HEXPOL