Polychim and Milliken Launch First UL-Validated PP Resins in Europe
Introduction
On September 2, 2025, Polychim Industrie, a part of Beaulieu International Group, announced a groundbreaking development in partnership with Milliken & Company. For the first time in Europe, two grades of clarified polypropylene (PP) resins, HJ45XI and HS45XI, equipped with the UL Environmental Claim Validation (ECV) label have been introduced. This achievement represents a significant milestone in sustainable manufacturing by reducing energy consumption in the production process.
Key Features of the New Resins
The introduction of the HJ45XI and HS45XI grades stems from Polychim's utilization of Milliken's innovative Millad® NX® 8000 ECO additive. This advanced solution enables manufacturers to use up to 10% less energy during the molding process, making it an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional resins. Maria Di Nolfo, the Europe Sales Director at Milliken, conveyed excitement about the collaborative project, emphasizing that this new resin formulation is not only innovative but also a practical solution for reducing energy demands in the production of injection molded parts.
Importance of UL Validation
The UL ECV label is integral to promoting products in a market where consumers are increasingly demanding transparency about sustainability claims. The validation process is conducted by UL Solutions, ensuring that the product claims made by manufacturers are independently verified. This not only bolsters consumer confidence but significantly enhances brand credibility.
Brand owners that opt for these new PP resins can proudly display the UL ECV label on their injection-molded products, further enhancing their market appeal.
Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
Hery Randria, the General Manager at Polychim, articulated the company’s pride in introducing UL-certified resin grades, affirming their commitment to sustainability and innovation within the European sphere. He highlighted the environmental considerations involved, noting that Polychim’s production sites contribute to a mere 1.0 kg of CO₂ per kilogram of polypropylene produced. Such efforts contribute significantly not only towards achieving energy reduction but also towards a greener future in manufacturing.
Advantages of HJ45XI and HS45XI
The new polypropylene grades don’t just promote sustainability; they also come with enhanced aesthetics and processing efficiency. By incorporating the Millad clarifying agent, these resins provide manufacturers with the flexibility to achieve remarkable energy and cost savings. The ability to process these grades at lower temperatures and reduced cycle times compared to competing products represents a significant competitive edge.
Applications
Polychim’s HJ45XI and HS45XI resins cater to a variety of applications, including bulked continuous filament (BCF) yarn, fibers, and injection-molded products like food containers, cosmetic packaging, jars, and bottles, as well as garden furniture. This versatility underscores the utility of these new products in an array of industries.
Conclusion
The introduction of these new UL-validated polypropylene resins marks a pivotal moment for both Polychim and Milliken as they make strides toward promoting sustainability within the manufacturing sector in Europe. As industries become more attuned to energy conservation and environmental impacts, these innovations pave the way for future developments in sustainable material science. Interested manufacturers and brand owners can learn more about Milliken’s plastic additives at www.milliken.com and Polychim’s high-clarity grades at www.Polychim-industrie.com.