Every day we READ and TALK about plastic recycling. But what can we really DO about it?
Across Europe, companies are racing to align with the EU Plastics Strategy 2018 and the more recent rules by the European Parliament and Council, aiming to reduce plastic packaging waste by 15% by 2040.
Using more recycled material is no longer just an option, it’s the way forward.
But here’s the truth: many polymers can only be recycled efficiently when properly stabilized.
And that’s exactly where additives come in.
If you’ve ever wondered:
• Can we recycle plastics without damaging the extruder?
• Are there viable alternatives to antimony trioxide and brominated FRs?
• Is it possible to reduce bad odours in post-consumer polymers, while preserving mechanical and thermal properties?
Keep reading.
Protected extruders and maximum productivity
Recycled polymers often come with processing challenges. One of the main concerns is thermal stability: recycled materials may contain impurities or have already undergone multiple processing cycles, making them more susceptible to degradation during extrusion. This can lead to discoloration, gel formation, or even equipment fouling.
To counter this, we’ve developed additive solutions that stabilize recycled polymers during high-temperature processing. Products like HBCD CHILLER and ULTRASTAB help maintain thermal resistance, improve overall processability, and protect equipment, ensuring longer equipment life and fewer production interruptions.
Yes, it’s possible without antimony trioxide or brominated additives
There’s increasing concern over the use of halogenated flame retardants and antimony trioxide. Beyond the rising cost of these substances, several studies have highlighted their impact on human health – including endocrine disruption, effects on the immune system, and reproductive toxicity.
At Greenchemicals, we’ve always promoted halogen-free flame retardants as safer alternatives, and in 2024 we introduced a new line of ATO-free products as well. These solutions are already being tested and adopted in various applications, from electrical components to building materials, proving that You can find examples of these new formulations on our dedicated page.
Process aids that make recycling smoother
A successful recycling process is not just about compatibility, it’s about efficiency too.
That’s why our Polichem line includes a wide range of process aids, nucleating agents, and IV enhancers, each designed to support specific needs in post-consumer or post-industrial recycling.
IV enhancers (Intrinsic Viscosity enhancers) are particularly valuable when recycling PET or polyester-based materials. During multiple extrusion cycles, these polymers tend to lose molecular weight, resulting in lower viscosity. This means weaker mechanical properties, poor melt strength, and difficulties in processing. Our IV enhancers help rebuild or maintain the polymer chains during extrusion, improving molecular weight and restoring strength, elasticity, and processability. This is especially important in applications like strapping, bottles, or fiber, where performance is key.
Nucleating agents, on the other hand, help to control and accelerate crystallization during cooling. This is particularly useful in polyolefins like PP and PE.
Nucleants promote a finer, more uniform crystalline structure, leading to faster cycle times, improved stiffness, higher clarity (in some grades), and better dimensional stability. They also help reduce warpage and shrinkage, supporting more stable, high-quality end products.
If you’re looking to improve the quality of your recycled materials or optimize your extrusion process, these solutions could be a great starting point. You’ll find more technical insights in our Polichem brochure.
Tackling odor in recycled plastics
One of the most common challenges in real-world recycling is odor. Contaminants from previous use cycles, packaging residues or degradation during reprocessing can generate unpleasant smells that make the material less suitable for new applications, especially in packaging or consumer goods.
We’ve developed several solutions to address this issue:
• MB ZERO SMELL 1, based on EVA and active absorbents, is particularly effective on post-consumer recycled (PCR) polymers.
• MB SETASMELL helps capture and hold volatile molecules directly during extrusion.
• ORACLE PROCESS is a chemical-mechanical approach that significantly reduces odor during processing.
• GC LEMON SMELL, based on a natural orange extract, offers a pleasant scent and biodegradable profile, while being suitable as an odor mask or even as a multipurpose cleaner.
We keep working every day in our labs to develop real-world recycling solutions for companies that need efficient production, and for a planet that demands more sustainable plastics.
Curious to know more? Let’s talk: info@greenchemicals.green