Sabic ELCRIN iQ LCA plastic bottle floating in ocean
Since the introduction of LNP ELCRIN iQ materials in late 2019, Sabic says it has helped divert more than 100 million single-use 16.9 oz. polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles from landfills and incinerators. These globally available polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) materials are produced from PET water bottles through a chemical upcycling process, according to the company.
Sabic also recently completed a life cycle assessment (LCA) comparing virgin PBT and LNP ELCRIN iQ resin, which reportedly underwent third-party critical review in accordance with ISO 14040/14044 standards. Results indicate that LNP ELCRIN iQ resin lowered global warming impact by 29% and cut cumulative energy demand by 43% compared to virgin PBT, according to Sabic. LNP ELCRIN iQ resins also show favorable LCA results compared to data for other virgin base resins, such as polyamide (PA) 6,6 and PA6, extracted from PlasticsEurope eco-profiles.
“Not only do our resins deliver independently verified sustainability benefits, but they can serve as a drop-in replacement for virgin PBT to help manufacturers increase the sustainability of end products,” says Joshua Chiaw, director, business management, LNP & NORYL, Sabic. “With many different grades available, including glass- and mineral-reinforced products and non-halogenated flame-retardant formulations, LNP ELCRIN iQ resins could be considered for a wide range of applications, including consumer electronic enclosures and components, automotive exterior parts, healthcare applications and personal care products.”
To provide independent verification of recycled content and responsible sourcing practices, Sabic engaged SCS Global Services (SCS), a provider of third-party environmental, sustainability, food safety and quality certifications, to audit the processes used to source and manufacture its LNP ELCRIN iQ resins. These certifications help customers make better-informed decisions when choosing materials that can strengthen their position on sustainability, according to the company. The certificates are posted on the SCS Certified Green Products Guide.
“Sabic is focused on helping customers achieve their sustainability goals by providing plastic materials that support circularity without sacrificing the mechanical performance, chemical resistance or colorability required for the end use product,” says Maureen MacDonald-Stein, Director, growth OEM and markets, Sabic.
For more information, visit: www.sabic.com
