Daicel Corporation Launches New DURACON(R) POM Line with 30% Recycled Content

Daicel Corporation Unveils a New Line of DURACON® POM with 30% Recycled Content

Daicel Corporation's High Performance Polymers (HPPs) SBU, previously known as Polyplastics Co., Ltd., has made strides in sustainable material development with the launch of four new grades of DURACON® POM. Each of these grades now incorporates 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material, reflecting the company's commitment to sustainability in the engineering plastics sector.

The new DURACON® POM grades, introduced at the CHINAPLAS 2026 event in Shanghai, include diverse options such as standard, low VOC, sliding, and tough grades. This variety allows customers to choose the material best suited for their specific applications. For instance, the standard grade presents a melt flow rate of 9, making it versatile for various uses. The low VOC option meets OEM requirements, ensuring compliance with stringent industry standards.

One notable advancement is the sliding grade, which offers enhanced sliding properties crucial for applications that require reduced friction. Moreover, the tough grades maintain the performance expected from virgin POM materials, providing a reliable alternative for industries that rely on high-performance plastics.

Prior to this innovation, Daicel had already initiated the DURACIRCLE® re-compounding service aimed at recycling plastic scrap from their customer plants. Initially focusing on post-industrial recycling (PIR), Daicel's new PCR-POM utilizes raw materials sourced directly from used POM available in the market. This shift not only broadens the scope of recycled materials but also advances Daicel's commitment to sustainability.

A primary challenge in using PCR materials often lies in the unpredictability of properties and ensuring a uniform quality. However, thanks to Daicel's extensive compounding expertise and rigorous quality control measures, the company has successfully maintained key mechanical properties comparably to conventional grades, even with the incorporation of 30% recycled content.

DURACON® POM is widely recognized for its exceptional mechanical strength, rigidity, excellent wear resistance, and impressive sliding properties. Consequently, it finds applications across various industrial sectors, including gears, connectors, precision parts, and automotive components. The introduction of these new grades aims to cater to a wider range of industry needs while promoting sustainability efforts.

As Daicel Corporation continues to innovate within the realm of high-performance polymers, they remain dedicated to meeting the evolving requirements of their clients while making strides in environmental responsibility. The ongoing development of additional PCR-POM offerings is anticipated, potentially broadening the applications and benefits of this sustainable material further reaching the market.

For more information about Daicel’s new DURACON® POM grades and their sustainability initiatives, you can visit their website.

In summary, Daicel Corporation's latest endeavors not only highlight their leadership in the engineering plastics industry but also showcase their proactive approach towards incorporating sustainability into their product line, signifying a positive move towards environmentally-friendly practices in manufacturing.