Molecular Recycling Study Demonstrates a Closed-Loop Solution for Automotive Plastic Waste - Seite 2

Plastic is essential in modern automobiles because it is light, strong and durable. The industry needs alternative materials to help lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce carbon footprints. Lightweighting improves fuel economy, and the rise of electric vehicles creates further need for light but strong materials to offset the weight of heavy batteries.

"Modern cars are made with approximately 50% plastic by volume, on average, and this number is expected to increase as automotive manufacturers continue to seek lighter electric vehicles," said Steve Crawford, Eastman's executive vice president, manufacturing and chief sustainability officer. "We're demonstrating a future where automotive hard-to-recycle plastics and fibers are diverted from landfills and recycled to produce new automotive parts."

Molecular recycling - the solution to deliver circularity. 

Eastman's molecular recycling technologies can revolutionize recycling because they process hard-to-recycle plastics like those in ASR. These technologies break down plastic waste at the molecular level, so these recycled materials can be built back into new polymers that are indistinguishable from virgin materials with no trade-offs in performance or safety.

Eastman's carbon renewal technology (CRT) can recycle almost any plastic and was used to demonstrate closed-loop recycling for ASR. In the project, PADNOS supplied ASR as feedstock for Eastman's recycling process. Using CRT, Eastman converted the ASR into materials used downstream in the production of new plastic resins. Finally, Yanfeng molded Eastman resins into new automotive parts that met a variety of requirements established by three OEMs: Ford, GM and Stellantis - all members of USAMP.

The results show what's possible. 

This study underscored the value of collaboration for a more sustainable future. Both mechanical recycling and molecular recycling are needed and must work together to deliver a recycling infrastructure for the modern age.

"The collaboration on this project is indicative of the work that is needed to create closed-loop and circular-economy solutions," said Kari Bliss, principal of sustainability at PADNOS. "Our purpose statement is on full display with this project - to continue to find ways to innovate, lead and make a positive impact in this world. We are proud to be the mechanical recycler involved in this complex endeavor, which is the first of its kind in North America."

Foto: Accesswire

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SOURCE: Eastman

View the original press release on accesswire.com


The Eastman Chemical Stock at the time of publication of the news with a raise of +0,14 % to 85,78EUR on Tradegate stock exchange (20. März 2024, 22:26 Uhr).