Since the introduction of LNP™ ELCRIN™ iQ materials in late 2019, SABIC has helped divert more than 100 million single-use 16.9 oz. (50 cl) PET water bottles from landfills and incinerators. This portfolio of globally available polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) materials is produced from post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles through a unique chemical upcycling process.
SABIC also recently completed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) comparing virgin PBT and LNP ELCRIN iQ resin, which underwent third-party critical review in accordance with ISO 14040/14044 standards. Results indicated that LNP ELCRIN iQ resin lowered global warming impact by 29 percent and cut cumulative energy demand by 43 percent compared to virgin PBT. LNP ELCRIN iQ resins also show favorable LCA results compared to data for other virgin base resins, such as polyamide (PA) 6,6 and PA6, extracted from Plastics Europe Eco-Profiles.
“Our innovative LNP ELCRIN iQ materials help address environmental megatrends such as the circular economy and the reduction of plastic waste to benefit customers and society at large,” said Joshua Chiaw, Director, Business Management, LNP & NORYL, SABIC. “Not only do our resins deliver independently verified sustainability benefits, but they can serve as a drop-in replacement for virgin PBT to help manufacturers increase the sustainability of end products. With many different grades available, including glass- and mineral-reinforced products and non-halogenated flame-retardant formulations, LNP ELCRIN iQ resins could be considered for a wide range of applications, including consumer electronic enclosures and components, automotive exterior parts, healthcare applications and personal care products.”
To provide independent verification of recycled content and responsible sourcing practices, SABIC engaged SCS Global Services (SCS), a leader in third-party environmental, sustainability, food safety and quality certifications, to audit the processes used to source and manufacture its LNP ELCRIN iQ resins. These certifications help customers make better-informed decisions when choosing materials that can strengthen their position on sustainability.
“SABIC is focused on helping customers achieve their sustainability goals by providing plastic materials that support circularity without sacrificing the mechanical performance, chemical resistance or colorability required for the end use product,” said Maureen MacDonald-Stein, Director, Growth OEM & Markets, SABIC. “The manufacturing processes for our LNP ELCRIN iQ resins have been audited for adherence to the SCS Recycled Content Standard and the supply chain has been audited for responsible sourcing including social, environmental health and safety requirements, enabling customers to quantify the contribution of our materials to their sustainability targets. Recycled content and responsible sourcing verification can increase customer confidence in our upcycled resins and underscore the multiple benefits these materials can provide in terms of environmental protection.”
These certificates are conveniently posted on the SCS Certified Green Products Guide. The responsible sourcing verification, which covers multiple LNP ELCRIN iQ products, attests to SABIC’s focus on environmental impacts across the entire value chain.
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