The material maintains the benefits of a regular PC while obtaining flame resistance certification and the highest level of UL eco-friendly certification
Samyang has developed a PCR PC containing 90% recycled plastic. (Credit: PR Newswire/ Samyang Corporation)
Plastic material and resin manufacturing firm Samyang has developed sustainable polycarbonate materials containing more than 90% of post-consumer recycled polycarbonate (PCR PC).
South Korea-based Samyang, a chemical and food affiliate of the Samyang Group, has designed the PC as an engineered plastic that is transparent, impact- and heat-resistant.
The new offering can be used as a material for interior and exterior uses in cars, home appliances, soundproof walls, and medical device parts.
According to the firm, PCR PC is created using a compounding method that calls for advanced technology and knowledge and involves combining new PC raw material with recycled PC in a specific ratio.
Flame retardants, strengthening agents, dyes, and other additives are used to produce the polycarbonate material in order to increase the polymer’s functionality and visual appeal.
Samyang has used its expertise in redesigning and optimising the ratio of recycled material and additives during the compounding process to maintain the inherent physical properties of PC.
The Korean firm was also successful in finding high-quality recycled PC material suppliers who carefully control the level of contamination and foreign elements.
Samyang CEO Hosung Kang said: “There are only a few places in the world that produce PCR PC products that contain more than 90% of recycled plastic materials while retaining the physical properties of conventional PC.
“We will continue to expand our high-quality, eco-friendly product portfolio to meet the global market’s demand and contribute towards the group’s ESG competitiveness.”
The newly developed PCR PC has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by about 6,200 tons based on the production of 1,000 tons compared to general PC, Samyang claimed.
The Korean resin manufacturing firm intends to use PCR PC initially in tiny electrical home appliances like laptops before broadening its applicability in the future to a variety of fields, including electronics and decorative gadgets.
Recently, the company set up its mid-to-long-term strategy last year called Vision 2025, which aims to grow eco-friendly and speciality businesses.
Last August, Samyang signed a deal to supply plastic pellets made from recycled fishing nets, to further expand its eco-friendly business portfolio.