Flame retardancy in recycled plastics: new developments on the market
Why has it been difficult until now to produce recycled plastics with flame retardants in light colours?
Johannes Erner: To colour plastics in light shades, the base materials need to be particularly clean. Light colours such as white or light grey reveal even the smallest impurities, whereas dark colours, like black, can hide them much more easily. Recyclates, i.e. recycled plastics, often come from different sources, such as post-industrial or post-consumer waste. These materials frequently contain tiny impurities, such as residual colourants or additives from the previous product. With conventional recycling methods, it is difficult to remove these completely, which has so far made the production of light, visually flawless recyclates challenging.
What has changed?
Johannes Erner: The possibilities in the recycling process are constantly improving. In addition to mechanical recycling, where sourcing and pre-sorting are very important, there are also new developments in the field of chemical recycling. In this process, plastics are broken down into their basic building blocks, known as monomers, and used to make new plastics. Additives, pigments, glass fibers, and even flame retardants can be incorporated in a targeted manner. Primary raw materials are conserved and the circular economy is supported. The light-colored recyclates from these processes achieve the quality of virgin material, but have a significantly better carbon footprint.
Which applications benefit most from these developments?
Johannes Erner: Light gray is often used in the electrical industry, for example, around switch cabinets, but light gray and flame retardancy are also important in building technology and railway interior design. I see great potential here.
What role does Technoform play here?
Johannes Erner: At Technoform, we see ourselves as a solution provider. To this end, we are in constant communication with both our customers and our plastics suppliers. We monitor market trends and prepare for future needs at an early stage. This is also the case here, where we support our customers in the area of sustainability.