Green news: Mitsubishi Chemical launches plant-based resin for auto sector; On to secure rPET from Loop’s South Korean facility

Japan’s Mitsubishi Chemical Group will begin providing samples of Durabio D93 Series (under development), a new grade of the plant-derived bioengineering plastic, said to have a higher biobased synthetic polymer content.

The bioengineering plastic is made using renewable plant-derived raw material “isosorbide” that reduces the consumption of petroleum. The D93 series (under development) developed by the MCG Group has a biobased synthetic polymer content of approximately 74%, an improvement of more than 15% from the 58% of the D73 series, the previous material, while retaining features such as transparency, scratch resistance, and coloration and boasting higher heat resistance (deflection temperature under load: 131°C) than earlier products. It also has a surface hardness comparable to that of acrylic resin and can be used across a wide range of sectors, including information electronic equipment, automotive parts, and daily necessities.

In other news, Loop Industries, a clean technology company that manufactures 100% rPET plastic and polyester fibre, and On AG, a sportswear brand and subsidiary of On Holding AG, have tied up with Swiss manufacturer On to secure volumes of 100% Loop rPET resin from the upcoming Asian Infinite Loop manufacturing facility in Ulsan, South Korea, which Loop is planning with its partner SK Geo Centric. The Ulsan manufacturing facility is anticipated to break ground by end of this year.

The signed LOI follows a two-year period of collaboration between Loop and On, throughout which time a technical due diligence was completed validating Loop's technology, while Loop PET resin was tested in On's products. This partnership will provide On the ability to produce sustainable footwear and apparel using recycled materials, without the need for polyester fibre created from fossil fuels.

Loop Industries adds it is leading the way in sustainable and circular solutions for PET waste, allowing materials to be infinitely recycled without loss of quality or performance. Loop's breakthrough technology enables low value PET waste to be upcycled into 100% recycled virgin-quality Loop PET resin which can be used in plastic products and food-grade packaging as well as polyester fibre applications.

In addition to low value PET plastic waste, Loop also utilises polyester fibre waste as feedstock in its process. By upcycling these materials, Loop's technology helps supply brands with sustainable, recycled polyester fabric and offers a closed loop solution to the textile industry. This unique fibre to fibre recycling process is achieved through Loop's patented depolymerisation technology.

Subscribe to Get the Latest Updates from IMA  Please click here