Daicel Corporation's High Performance Polymers SBU has introduced four new grades of DURACON POM that incorporate 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material, advancing the company's sustainable innovations in engineering plastics. The new offerings include standard, low VOC, sliding, and tough grades, providing customizable options for diverse applications.
Originally presented at CHINAPLAS 2026 in Shanghai, these PCR-POM grades aim to blend sustainability with performance. The standard grade showcases a melt flow rate of 9, while the low VOC grade meets OEM stipulations. The sliding grade enhances friction properties, and the tough grade offers durability comparable to virgin POM materials.
Since 2023, Daicel has been providing the DURACIRCLE re-compounding service, designed to recycle plastic scrap from customer facilities. While this service initially focused on post-industrial recycling (PIR), the novel PCR approach employs recycled POM that has circulated in the market, augmenting environmental benefits.
Addressing the challenge of property variability in PCR materials, Daicel has utilized its longstanding expertise in compounding and quality control. The company assures that primary mechanical attributes remain consistent with conventional grades despite the inclusion of 30% recycled content, according to internal tests.
DURACON POM is widely utilized across industries due to its high mechanical strength, rigidity, and resistance to wear. Applications range from gears and connectors to precision parts and automotive components. The new PCR-POM grades aim to support sustainable practices while maintaining the standards expected in these sectors.
Daicel continues to develop its PCR-POM lineup, aiming to diversify its range and address varying customer requirements. More details on these initiatives are available on their website.