SI Group is introducing EVERCYCLE™ specialty blends, their new additive technology solution for mechanical recyclers looking to improve processing by controlling the color and formation of acetaldehyde (AA).
A circular economy and sustainability play important roles in reducing the life cycle impacts of polymer materials. SI Group is focused on offering innovative chemistry through minimizing waste and improving resource efficiency. EVERCYCLE™ antioxidant and stabilizer additives are their newest technology that will help drive a more circular economy when it comes to polymer mechanical recycling.
Unlocking a Circular Economy with SI Group EVERCYCLE™
By using EVERCYCLE™, companies can reduce their environmental footprint by diverting waste plastics from landfills and reducing the need for virgin plastics. Additionally, EVERCYCLE™ resins can help companies meet their sustainability goals and improve their reputation as environmentally responsible businesses. SI Group's EVERCYCLE™ additives are designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable and circular materials in various industries. The company uses advanced recycling technologies to convert waste plastics into high-quality resins that are comparable in performance to virgin plastics.
Some key performance benefits of incorporating EVERCYCLE™ additives in mechanical recycling processing include improved thermal stability, enhanced color stability, reduced yellowing, and controlled acetaldehyde formation. These specialty solutions can also help prevent the oxidation and degradation of recycled plastic resins during processing, storage, and use. EVERCYCLE™ is compatible with various types of recycled plastics, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP). Overall, EVERCYCLE™ antioxidants are a valuable solution for recycled plastic processors looking to improve the quality and performance of their downstream products.
Mechanical Recycling is the Key to Circularity
Mechanical recycling will offer a tandem circular solution for single-use plastic waste with chemical recycling. EVERCYCLE™ innovative additive solutions help mechanical recyclers close the performance gap between virgin resins and their recycled resins. Mechanical recycling allows plastic to keep its molecular structure by mechanically processing it into granules that can be used to create new products. When scaling and processing, mechanical recyclers require uncontaminated waste streams, which can contribute to reduced performance and difficulty with processing. EVERCYCLE™ is formulated to address these issues by providing long-term stability and protection to recycled plastic resins.
EVERCYCLE™ blends help advance circularity through mechanical recycling by addressing their typical challenges.
Mechanical Recycling Challenges
Feedstock segregation, such as sorting and purity
Feedstock composition
Depleted stabilizers
Color and organoleptic issues
Cross-contaminations
Why EVERCYCLE™?
This dedicated portfolio of stabilizer technology provides polyolefin and PET mechanical recyclers with improved processing to help accelerate the circular economy.
This grade was designed as a liquid blend to improve mechanical recyclers and recycled content that utilize PET resource streams by controlling the formation of yellowing and acetaldehyde (AA).
As a restabilizer for postconsumer LDPE/LLDPE flexible film recycle streams, this grade provides mechanical recyclers the ability to improve processing and impart long-term stability for downstream products.
EVERCYLE™ Applications
Food Grade Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
EVERYCYLE™ PET-102D and PET-103D enable mechanical recyclers of PET bottles to avoid downcycling due to issues with feedstock quality. Both solid and liquid grades allow mechanical recyclers to control yellow color formation and reduce acetaldehyde (AA) levels. This allows better circularity by keeping more PET in the closed recycling loop for longer.
Stretch Film Post-Industrial Recycled (PIR)
EVERCYCLE™ LD-104P with just a 1% dosage in a blended 70/30 virgin/pre-consumer, post-consumer recycled, and post-industrial recycled (PCR/PIR) stretch film by improving mechanical properties while containing gel formation.
Mixed Polyolefins Post-Consumer Recycling (PCR)
SI Group's LD-101S and PP-101S offer improved performance for recycled polyolefins (PO), enabling larger amounts of recycled POs in various end-use applications. These grades enhance processability and protect the recycled polyolefins with long-term stability.
Summary
Mechanical recycling is the key to a more circular economy when it comes to single-use plastics. EVERCYCLE™ specialty blends optimize mechanical recycling by stabilizing processing and melt flow, reducing gel formation, and protecting the polymers from thermal degradation. Talk to one of our technical specialists today about how EVERCYCLE™ can help stabilize your recycling feedstocks today.
