Introduction
In a significant step for the European plastics industry, Polychim Industrie, a member of the Beaulieu International Group, has partnered with global manufacturing leader Milliken & Company to introduce UL-validated polypropylene (PP) resins. This groundbreaking announcement, made on September 3, 2025, marks the first time such advanced materials have been made available in Europe, paving the way for more sustainable manufacturing practices.
The Innovative Partnership
Milliken has leveraged its expertise to design an additive solution known as Millad® NX® 8000 ECO to enhance the clarity and environmental performance of the polypropylene resins. The newly launched products, grades HJ45XI and HS45XI, boast a UL Environmental Claims Validation (ECV) label, confirming that their environmental claims have been independently verified. This validation not only enhances brand credibility but also boosts consumer confidence in these innovative resins.
Maria Di Nolfo, the Sales Director for Milliken in Europe, stated, "Together with Polychim, we have successfully developed a resin that reduces the energy consumption necessary for producing injection-molded parts." Both companies are excited to offer a product that stands out for its high performance and commitment to sustainability.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
The introduction of these new PP grades is timely as many manufacturers seek ways to optimize their production processes. The HJ45XI and HS45XI resins enable manufacturers to achieve up to a 10% reduction in energy consumption during processing. This efficiency can translate to significant cost savings and a decrease in environmental impact across the entire plastics supply chain.
Hery Randria, General Manager of Polychim, expressed pride in launching UL-certified resins, emphasizing their potential to deliver substantial energy savings during injection molding. "Our facility currently produces polypropylene with an environmental footprint of just 1.0 kg of CO₂ per kilogram produced, showcasing our commitment to sustainable innovation in the European market," he added.
Applications and Benefits
Engineers and converters using these resins will enjoy enhanced aesthetics and processing efficiencies in their products, allowing for the manufacture of high-quality items. The Millad clarifier integrated into these resins offers improved clarity and greater efficiency, resulting in the ability to process the material at lower temperatures and achieve shorter cycle times compared to similar products available in the market. These advantages not only improve product quality but also optimize operational costs.
Conclusion
Polychim and Milliken's innovative collaboration marks a turning point for the European polypropylene market, emphasizing the role of sustainability in modern production. As the industry shifts towards greener solutions, the introduction of UL-validated resins is a promising advancement. For more information about Polychim's high-clarity PP grades and Milliken's additives, interested parties can visit
www.Polychim-industrie.com and
www.milliken.com.
About the Companies
Milliken & Company is a global leader in manufacturing with a strong focus on material science innovations that contribute to future advancements. With thousands of patents across various sectors, the company aims to improve lives through its products and solutions.
Polychim Industrie, based in Dunkerque, France, specializes in polypropylene production since its inception in 1990. As part of the Beaulieu International Group, Polychim is dedicated to providing high-quality PP solutions for a plethora of applications including textiles, packaging, and automotive components.