Brazilian petrochemical Braskem and masterbatch specialist Engeflex have launched a new line of 100% recycled masterbatches.
Made from post-consumer recycled resin (PCR), the masterbatch is produced using DL085C recycled resin from Braskem's Wenew portfolio, manufactured from flexible plastic waste. The Wenew portfolio includes 58 polymers and 40 more under development. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis of the products showed gains of up to 48% reduction in carbon emissions from the entire portfolio compared to conventional virgin polymers.
The new masterbatch is a concentration of pigments or additives that can be incorporated into thermoplastic resins and used to colour plastic products. It is designed to maintain the sustainability of packaging and plastic artefacts that already contain PCR, purportedly offering a more sustainable pigmentation option to the market.
Its applications include the automotive, agricultural materials, cosmetics, hygiene and cleaning industries, amongst others.
Braskem plans to sell 1 million tons of products with recycled material and recover 1.5 million tons of plastic from the environment by 2030. It is involved in various initiatives to achieve this goal, including a recent pyrolysis oil supply agreement with Vitol.