Show Daily recently interviewed Dr. Michael Schmidt, Chief Technology Officer of BYK, to gain insights into the latest trends in plastics additives, with a focus on sustainability and performance enhancement.

Dr. Michael Schmidt, Chief Technology Officer, BYK

Dr. Michael Schmidt was appointed as the global Chief Technology Officer and Head of Research and Development at BYK in December 2024. He began his career at Bayer AG and, in 2021, was awarded an advisory professorship at Donghua University in Shanghai, China. After serving in various management roles in Germany and internationally, Dr. Schmidt was named Global Head of Innovation for the Thermoplastic Polyurethane Business Unit at Covestro in 2023.

Sustainability fuels plastics additive development

How is the trend of sustainability influencing the technological development of plastics additives?

Dr. Schmidt: Sustainability is an omnipresent topic that significantly influences the development of plastics additives for two primary reasons. First, in order to ensure the marketability of product innovations, sustainable aspects related to chemistry and application must be considered much earlier in the product development process. Today, these factors can even serve as an important knock-out criteria for halting certain innovation activities.

Second, the growing societal awareness of sustainability opens up new markets and generating new product requirements for plastics additives. For instance, the significant growth of bioplastics and the increasing incorporation of recycled content in plastic applications are key trends that stem from sustainability, prompting the need for new additive concepts.

How does BYK address the challenges arising from the shift towards sustainability?

Dr. Schmidt: The broad topic of sustainability is broken down into manageable initiatives to address various requirements. We create transparency to facilitate better decision-making regarding sustainability while minimizing associated risks. For example, we employ a portfolio assessment concept to understand what sustainability entails for our products within their specific applications.

Moreover, we strive to integrate sustainability considerations into our investment decisions. This approach aims to align with the Corporate Sustainability Directive and EU Taxonomy requirements, and contributes to the energy transition process.

As you mentioned the rise of bioplastics, what bio-based products does BYK offer to customers?

Dr. Schmidt: BYK provides a broad portfolio of additives with bio-based content, which we measure according to the radiocarbon method. Our range of bio-based products encompasses all major categories, including wetting and dispersing additives, surface and wax additives, defoamers, rheology additives, and processing additives.

These bio-based additives serve as either direct substitutes to fossil-fuel-based additives or have been developed as “bio-based” additives. For instance, products in our SCONA TPPL series are tailored for the bioplastics market, helping our customers in formulating and innovating with polylactic acid (PLA) compounds for industrial applications.

BYK's grafted PLA, SCONA TPPL 5112 PLA, can significantly enhance PLA’s melt strength at low dosages of 3-5%, enabling its use in fabrics for sustainable applications.

You also mentioned the increasing use of recycled content. What role do additives play in enhancing the recyclability of plastics?

Dr. Schmidt: Additives in general and tailored additive solutions play a crucial role in both mechanical and chemical recycling of polymers. There are numerous examples where post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, such as those from packaging waste, are upcycled for a second life in consumer goods or even in transportation applications.

This upcycling is achievable through the use of additive formulations that ensure sufficient heat and light stability throughout the lifespan of the intended application. Additives also help eliminate negative effects from impurities, such as volatile organic compound (VOC) and odor, while adjusting and enhancing the molecular weight in materials like PA and PET. Additionally, they facilitate the compatibilization of immiscible polymer fractions within the recycling stream.

Therefore, the role of additives in enhancing the recyclability of plastics is multifaceted and depends on specific factors, including the recycling stream, intended application, and processing methods.

Enhanced performance meets emerging requirements

Beyond sustainability, what new performance and functional requirements are emerging for additives?

Dr. Schmidt: Sustainability has also a significant impact on other sub-trends, particularly the electrification of the transportation sector and the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This leads to a tremendous change in material concepts and performance requirements such as enhanced heat stability for under the hood automotive applications.

Other stronger drivers for the development of plastics additives are evolving and more stringent regulatory requirements. These regulations include bans on certain raw materials, such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), various light stabilizers, and brominated flame retardants.

To meet these challenges, innovation is essential in developing the most suitable concepts and solutions for the changing requirements.

Regarding PFAS, BYK will stop supplying additives containing PFAS by the end of 2025. How does BYK ensure the performance of its PFAS-free products?

Dr. Schmidt: BYK achieves this through close collaboration between its R&D team and application specialists, ensuring that customers’ requirements, including those related to technical performance, are properly addressed in the innovation process.

However, in areas like PFAS-free processing additives for thermoplastic applications, a very close collaboration with our customers is additionally essential for success. It is important to consider not only the additives and application systems but also the customer's processing conditions.

Strong reduction of melt fracture with BYK-MAX P4109 and BYK-MAX P 4110 as polymer processing aid (PPA).

What are the latest technological trends in processing additives?

Dr. Schmidt: One of the major trends in processing additives is the replacement of fluorine-based polymeric processing aids. Intensive research is ongoing in this area, as there will not be a one-to-one replacement covering all the applications currently using PFAS. Besides, the transition to PFAS-free polymeric processing aids sees regional differences in transition speed.

With the rise of electric vehicles transforming the automotive industry, what are the latest innovative applications of plastics additives in this sector?

Dr. Schmidt: For electric vehicles, components of battery housings and battery interior require a combination of structural integrity, heat resistance, and flame retardancy. While these requirements have traditionally been addressed using metals or thermosets, the goal is to switch to thermoplastics, which certainly requires innovation on additives.

In automotive wire and cable applications, voltages are approaching 1,000 volts in certain applications. While previous vehicles had significant insulation requirements, this increase in voltage imposes much higher demand on insulation properties. Coupled with an ongoing need to reduce weight and costs, this puts added pressure on wire coating and insulation solutions.

Strong presence at CHINAPLAS 2025

What exhibits and demonstrations will BYK showcase at CHINAPLAS 2025?

Dr. Schmidt: At CHINAPLAS 2025, BYK will highlight our latest innovations for boosting sustainability. We will showcase the RECYCLOBYK range and BYK-MAX P 4200, which are additive solutions designed for recycling applications, along with the SCONA TPPL series of polymer modifiers for biopolymers.

We will also introduce SCONA 12031 N, a new innovation specifically for color masterbatch customers. This product effectively prevents warping caused by organic pigments in polyethylene.

The ban on PFAS creates a demand for new processing aids, our BYK-MAX P 4109 and BYK-MAX P 4110 are PFAS-free solutions that are designed to maintain high production speeds while preventing melt fracture and reducing die build-up. These products also shorten rinsing times and allow for fast product changes, resulting in less startup and cleaning scrap.

Furthermore, the cable sector is shifting towards PVC-free and HFFR cables, which require flame retardant synergists. BYK’s clay products, including CLOISITE 20 A, BYK-MAX CT 4260, and BYK-MAX FR 4145, are the preferred choices for these applications.

BYK

BYK in Shanghai: Main office and one of the production sites in China.

BYK is a leading global supplier of specialty chemicals. The company's innovative additives and differentiated solutions optimize product and material properties as well as production and application processes.

BYK has an extensive global network of subsidiaries and operates production facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, the US, and China. As a member of the ALTANA Group, BYK employs over 2,500 people worldwide.

Booth: 15B41

Show Daily recently interviewed Dr. Michael Schmidt, Chief Technology Officer of BYK, to gain insights into the latest trends in plastics additives, with a focus on sustainability and performance enhancement.

Dr. Michael Schmidt, Chief Technology Officer, BYK

Dr. Michael Schmidt was appointed as the global Chief Technology Officer and Head of Research and Development at BYK in December 2024. He began his career at Bayer AG and, in 2021, was awarded an advisory professorship at Donghua University in Shanghai, China. After serving in various management roles in Germany and internationally, Dr. Schmidt was named Global Head of Innovation for the Thermoplastic Polyurethane Business Unit at Covestro in 2023.

Sustainability fuels plastics additive development

How is the trend of sustainability influencing the technological development of plastics additives?

Dr. Schmidt: Sustainability is an omnipresent topic that significantly influences the development of plastics additives for two primary reasons. First, in order to ensure the marketability of product innovations, sustainable aspects related to chemistry and application must be considered much earlier in the product development process. Today, these factors can even serve as an important knock-out criteria for halting certain innovation activities.

Second, the growing societal awareness of sustainability opens up new markets and generating new product requirements for plastics additives. For instance, the significant growth of bioplastics and the increasing incorporation of recycled content in plastic applications are key trends that stem from sustainability, prompting the need for new additive concepts.

How does BYK address the challenges arising from the shift towards sustainability?

Dr. Schmidt: The broad topic of sustainability is broken down into manageable initiatives to address various requirements. We create transparency to facilitate better decision-making regarding sustainability while minimizing associated risks. For example, we employ a portfolio assessment concept to understand what sustainability entails for our products within their specific applications.

Moreover, we strive to integrate sustainability considerations into our investment decisions. This approach aims to align with the Corporate Sustainability Directive and EU Taxonomy requirements, and contributes to the energy transition process.

As you mentioned the rise of bioplastics, what bio-based products does BYK offer to customers?

Dr. Schmidt: BYK provides a broad portfolio of additives with bio-based content, which we measure according to the radiocarbon method. Our range of bio-based products encompasses all major categories, including wetting and dispersing additives, surface and wax additives, defoamers, rheology additives, and processing additives.

These bio-based additives serve as either direct substitutes to fossil-fuel-based additives or have been developed as “bio-based” additives. For instance, products in our SCONA TPPL series are tailored for the bioplastics market, helping our customers in formulating and innovating with polylactic acid (PLA) compounds for industrial applications.

BYK's grafted PLA, SCONA TPPL 5112 PLA, can significantly enhance PLA’s melt strength at low dosages of 3-5%, enabling its use in fabrics for sustainable applications.

You also mentioned the increasing use of recycled content. What role do additives play in enhancing the recyclability of plastics?

Dr. Schmidt: Additives in general and tailored additive solutions play a crucial role in both mechanical and chemical recycling of polymers. There are numerous examples where post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, such as those from packaging waste, are upcycled for a second life in consumer goods or even in transportation applications.

This upcycling is achievable through the use of additive formulations that ensure sufficient heat and light stability throughout the lifespan of the intended application. Additives also help eliminate negative effects from impurities, such as volatile organic compound (VOC) and odor, while adjusting and enhancing the molecular weight in materials like PA and PET. Additionally, they facilitate the compatibilization of immiscible polymer fractions within the recycling stream.

Therefore, the role of additives in enhancing the recyclability of plastics is multifaceted and depends on specific factors, including the recycling stream, intended application, and processing methods.

Enhanced performance meets emerging requirements

Beyond sustainability, what new performance and functional requirements are emerging for additives?

Dr. Schmidt: Sustainability has also a significant impact on other sub-trends, particularly the electrification of the transportation sector and the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This leads to a tremendous change in material concepts and performance requirements such as enhanced heat stability for under the hood automotive applications.

Other stronger drivers for the development of plastics additives are evolving and more stringent regulatory requirements. These regulations include bans on certain raw materials, such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), various light stabilizers, and brominated flame retardants.

To meet these challenges, innovation is essential in developing the most suitable concepts and solutions for the changing requirements.

Regarding PFAS, BYK will stop supplying additives containing PFAS by the end of 2025. How does BYK ensure the performance of its PFAS-free products?

Dr. Schmidt: BYK achieves this through close collaboration between its R&D team and application specialists, ensuring that customers’ requirements, including those related to technical performance, are properly addressed in the innovation process.

However, in areas like PFAS-free processing additives for thermoplastic applications, a very close collaboration with our customers is additionally essential for success. It is important to consider not only the additives and application systems but also the customer's processing conditions.

Strong reduction of melt fracture with BYK-MAX P4109 and BYK-MAX P 4110 as polymer processing aid (PPA).

What are the latest technological trends in processing additives?

Dr. Schmidt: One of the major trends in processing additives is the replacement of fluorine-based polymeric processing aids. Intensive research is ongoing in this area, as there will not be a one-to-one replacement covering all the applications currently using PFAS. Besides, the transition to PFAS-free polymeric processing aids sees regional differences in transition speed.

With the rise of electric vehicles transforming the automotive industry, what are the latest innovative applications of plastics additives in this sector?

Dr. Schmidt: For electric vehicles, components of battery housings and battery interior require a combination of structural integrity, heat resistance, and flame retardancy. While these requirements have traditionally been addressed using metals or thermosets, the goal is to switch to thermoplastics, which certainly requires innovation on additives.

In automotive wire and cable applications, voltages are approaching 1,000 volts in certain applications. While previous vehicles had significant insulation requirements, this increase in voltage imposes much higher demand on insulation properties. Coupled with an ongoing need to reduce weight and costs, this puts added pressure on wire coating and insulation solutions.

Strong presence at CHINAPLAS 2025

What exhibits and demonstrations will BYK showcase at CHINAPLAS 2025?

Dr. Schmidt: At CHINAPLAS 2025, BYK will highlight our latest innovations for boosting sustainability. We will showcase the RECYCLOBYK range and BYK-MAX P 4200, which are additive solutions designed for recycling applications, along with the SCONA TPPL series of polymer modifiers for biopolymers.

We will also introduce SCONA 12031 N, a new innovation specifically for color masterbatch customers. This product effectively prevents warping caused by organic pigments in polyethylene.

The ban on PFAS creates a demand for new processing aids, our BYK-MAX P 4109 and BYK-MAX P 4110 are PFAS-free solutions that are designed to maintain high production speeds while preventing melt fracture and reducing die build-up. These products also shorten rinsing times and allow for fast product changes, resulting in less startup and cleaning scrap.

Furthermore, the cable sector is shifting towards PVC-free and HFFR cables, which require flame retardant synergists. BYK’s clay products, including CLOISITE 20 A, BYK-MAX CT 4260, and BYK-MAX FR 4145, are the preferred choices for these applications.

BYK

BYK in Shanghai: Main office and one of the production sites in China.

BYK is a leading global supplier of specialty chemicals. The company's innovative additives and differentiated solutions optimize product and material properties as well as production and application processes.

BYK has an extensive global network of subsidiaries and operates production facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, the US, and China. As a member of the ALTANA Group, BYK employs over 2,500 people worldwide.

Booth: 15B41