BASF debuts IrgaCycle additive to improve performance of mechanically recycled plastics

BASF today announced a new range of additives designed to improve the quality of post-consumer and post-industrial polyolefins for reuse in rigid, flexible and molding applications
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The new IrgaCycle additive helps increase the percentage of recycled content in end applications such as packaging, automotive and mobile, building and construction, and helps manufacturers meet their sustainability goals
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The plastics industry is looking for ways to incorporate more recyclable polymers in all major applications to meet sustainability goals, while facing growing consumer concerns and stricter regulatory demands to reduce plastic waste
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However, BASF said in its press release that recycled plastics often contain impurities and contaminants that can accelerate the degradation of polymers and thus alter the properties of the material
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“Driven by technological and regulatory improvements, plastic production from mechanical recycling is expected to nearly triple by 2030.

This equates to an annual increase of around 10 percent,” Dr.
Thomas Kloster, President of BASF’s Performance Chemicals division, said in a statement.
"With IrgaCycle, we are gradually expanding our existing product portfolio to support circular economy goals for plastics with specific recycling solutions," the prepared statement said
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These solutions address specific quality issues associated with recycled resins, such as limited processability, poor long-term thermal stability and insufficient weatherability
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The product line currently includes the following additive formulations, with more to come in the future:

IrgaCycle PS 030 G enhances long-term thermal stability in rigid applications, primarily recycled HDPE, polyolefins and mixed polymers
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IrgaCycle PS 031 G improves processing and long-term thermal stability of recycled LDPE and LLDPE used in film and related flexible packaging applications
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IrgaCycle PS 032 G provides processing stability and long-term thermal protection for recycled PP and polyolefin blends containing impurities
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IrgaCycle UV 033 DD combines the weathering stability of recycled HDPE and PP blends with enhanced thermal and processing stability for repeated use in outdoor applications
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IrgaCycle XT 034 DD revitalizes processing, has long-term thermal stability, and helps to neutralize impurities in the "first life" of plastics, thereby improving the mechanical properties of polyolefin recyclates
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The mix is ​​ready-to-use for easy use in the recycling process
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Granular, dust-free formulations ensure safe and easy dosing during processing or compounding of recycled materials
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Dr.
Volker Bach, Head of Global Innovation at BASF Plastics Additives, said: "We developed these solutions based on our extensive experience in the plastics industry, combining our high-quality antioxidant and light stabilizer systems with our application expertise
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Through our With a global setup, we are able to participate in the entire value chain of the recycling industry, whether with brand owners or processors, or in all regions
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The IrgaCycle series is part of BASF's Valeras portfolio
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In addition to recycling plastics through IrgaCycle, Veras products bring sustainable value to plastics applications by improving durability, reducing waste, saving energy, reducing emissions and promoting biodiversity, BASF said
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