Celanese turns to recycled, bio-based, sustainable options

Celanese Corporation is taking a “customer-centric approach” to sustainability.

Steffi Götzel, head of global sustainability operations at Celanese, in Fakuma
“We focus on key trends because customers may have different priorities. Overall, it’s a shift from fossil materials to renewable materials, whether those materials are bio-based or recycled,” 2023 said.

In a recent example, Celanese partnered with Tier 2 automotive parts supplier Trelleborg Boots to design a suspension shock absorber that eliminates the need for base cups, rings or dust boots. The design includes a snap-on assembly that increases durability and eliminates strut contact so there is no increased friction, wear or wear noise.

The new suspension dampers are molded from Celanese’s Hytrel TPC brand TPE. It is expected to be more durable than traditional products made of polyurethane foam,

Steffi Götzel said Trelleborg was looking to improve its carbon footprint and wanted “more recyclable solutions”.

Steffi Götzel adds: “The key driver is performance, but the materials also have to meet the design requirements. We can reduce the number of parts, the weight or the amount of material used.”

According to Steffi
The choice of materials also depends on “the maturity of the customer,” according to Götzel. “Some clients know what sustainable materials they want; others are in the early stages and still gathering data.”

Celanese also introduced a new Santoprene® TPV ECO-R product, which is easier to recycle than thermoset rubber, a material used in garden hoses.

The new ECO-R solution incorporates post-consumer recycled content. There are already two grades available, with at least 15% recycled content. Celanese estimates these materials reduce carbon emissions by nearly 60% compared to similar parts made from EPDM rubber.

Celanese is also launching two new nylon solutions for manufacturers of EV powertrain components and EV battery applications. Frianyl PA brand W series flame retardant nylon solutions can be used for large thick wall flame retardant components of electric vehicle batteries.