Posted to News on 3rd Dec 2024, 12:00
Trials into PCR plastic materials begin to bear fruit for Essentra
Essentra says it will be launching a new innovation in post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic materials next year to support manufacturers seeking to reduce the use of single-use plastics and deliver a more sustainable business operation.
Developed by the company's Centre of Excellence at its UK headquarters in Kidlington, the announcement follows the trial of 36 different materials in the first 12 months of operation, including three that were directly related to PCR, and a further five involving Nylon. Certain bio-woods and Polylactic Acids (PLA) materials have also been tested.
On average, the team has been conducting one new trial every week since the Centre opened last year. One of the most exciting innovations involves the use of seaweed, in collaboration with business start-up FlexSea, and exploring how seaweed-derived bioplastics could be used as the source of a new range of Essentra products.
Jennifer Spence, ESG Director at Essentra, says that many valuable lessons are being learned: "Many of the products we are trialling and firms we are partnering with are very new and experimental," she explains. "Certainly our customers want their products to be more sustainable, but they don't want performance to be compromised, and the skill of our team is in finding the right balance."
Well received internally and praised by its customers, the Centre of Excellence is delivering on its intention not only to be the focus for new product trials, but also share knowledge and best-practice with other parts of the Essentra business and its partners in industry.
It is also helping to support the company's drive towards its scope 3 emission targets in line with its Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) responsibilities and ambition towards achieving net-zero in its operations by 2040 and across our value chain by 2050.
