"Testing is also being carried out to assess its use in new components where filled virgin polypropylene can be replaced with our high grade recyclate, thus ‘closing the loop’ for end-of-life waste electrical and electronic equipment"
Roger Morton, Axion's Commercial Director
Manchester, England: A new RoHS-compliant high grade impact polystyrene, developed by Axion Recycling from old TV and computer monitor plastic, could help revolutionise the use of 100% recycled components in new electrical products, according to the company.
Axion Polymers, a division of the Manchester-based plastic recycler, says its unique process removes the fraction that contains brominated flame retardants from discarded casings to produce a purer material, called Axpoly PS02.
The recycled polystyrene is fully compliant with the European RoHS Directive (Restriction on Hazardous Substances) that bans new electrical and electronic equipment containing more than agreed levels of potentially harmful metals and chemicals, such as lead, cadmium and flame retardants, says Axion. Manufacturers are legally obliged to ensure that their products, and their components, comply.
The PS02 material is currently undergoing pre-production trials with several major electrical equipment manufacturers to assess its potential use in the manufacture of new products.
Polymers being extruded at Axion
Axion’s Commercial Director Roger Morton says the polymer performs similarly to virgin material, which potentially offers manufacturers a variety of new high value applications; particularly where offering a recycled content provides a marketing advantage or reduces production costs. Axpoly PS02 is already used across Europe in a wide range of injection-moulded and sheet thermoformed products.
“We are the only processors in the UK to produce this 100% recycled material, which is consistent, has high impact strength (10KJ/sq m) and performance similar to virgin polymer,” he says.
“Testing is also being carried out to assess its use in new components where filled virgin polypropylene can be replaced with our high grade recyclate, thus ‘closing the loop’ for end-of-life waste electrical and electronic equipment(WEEE).”
In addition to Axpoly PS02, Axion produces a white product, Axpoly PS01, from recycled halogen-free fridge plastic. This is used in similar applications to Axpoly PS02.
Axpoly branded polystyrene and HIPS (high impact polystyrene) injection-grade materials are based upon raw materials sourced from primary WEEE treatment plants for fridges, televisions and smaller electrical appliances. The range of available grades is growing as the production plant takes on a wider variety of input raw materials from mixed household electrical goods and business equipment waste.
Further information
For more information, phone Axion Polymers on 0161 737 6124 or visit the website at www.axionpolymers.com.
(This article has been adapted from a press release by Axion Recycling)