On April 19, Covestro announced the launch of post-consumer recycled (PCR) polycarbonate with a recycled content of 90%, which can be used in consumer electronics and other fields. This Makrolon® polycarbonate reduces carbon emissions by 70% compared to virgin fossil-based products. Covestro will initially sell this brand in the Asia-Pacific region.
The 90% post-consumer recycled polycarbonate launched this time has outstanding color matching capabilities, and can achieve high-saturation colors and whiteness that are difficult to achieve with traditional high-content recycled plastics. The key to achieving this breakthrough lies in the strict selection of high-quality raw materials and the optimization of material formulations during the blending process. The product uses environmentally friendly halogen-free flame retardants, in line with UL
94 V-0 flame retardant standard, while meeting performance requirements, it does not have additional impact on the environment.
In order to meet the market demand for this type of more sustainable polycarbonate, Covestro is building the company’s world’s first production line dedicated to physically recycled polycarbonate at its Shanghai integrated base, which is expected to be put into operation within this year. Over 25,000 tons of high-quality polycarbonate with physically recycled content can be produced annually.
By mass balance method
Achieving a zero carbon footprint
In addition to making post-consumer recycled products through physical recycling, Covestro is also continuing to develop polycarbonates with a share of recycled biomass raw materials based on a mass balance approach. Covestro mass balance products have been internationally recognized ISCC
PLUS standard certification.
As the latest development, the company can now supply Makrolon® RE polycarbonate with a sustainable share of up to 89% on a regular basis. Some of these products, including polycarbonate with a zero carbon footprint, have been produced with 100% renewable electricity (based on a TÜV-certified system). As early as the end of 2021, Covestro will start supplying the world’s first polycarbonate with zero carbon footprint in Europe.
Mass Balance Polycarbonate offers the same high quality and performance as fossil-based products. Customers can immediately use this low-carbon-footprint solution without changing the process.
In order to make it easier to understand, Ke Xiaobian will take you a picture to understand how PCR polycarbonate and RE polycarbonate are formed 👇👇
CQ
The newly launched PCR polycarbonate with 90% recycled content and the RE series polycarbonate based on the mass balance method are both members of Covestro’s CQ circular solutions family. Covestro launched a new CQ brand concept in May 2022. CQ (Circular
Intelligence) stands for Circular Intelligence, which is dedicated to products with at least 25% of alternative raw materials to help customers find circular solutions more easily.