L. Brüggemann GmbH & Co. KG, a manufacturer of specialty chemicals, and Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF, have joined forces to tackle one of the challenging problems of plastics recycling.

During their lifetime, plastic articles are subjected to thermal oxidation and photo-oxidation, which can create enough damage to prevent them from being recycled into high-quality products.

In order to overcome this problem, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF, have developed new stabilizer systems to improve the properties of polyolefin recyclates, especially those made of polypropylene and polyethylene.

Brüggemann and Fraunhofer LBF have co-developed a new generation of stabilizers for high-quality polyolefin recyclates.

These pioneering stabilizers are capable of reducing the effects of previous damage to such an extent that recycled materials become suitable for processing into sophisticated molded products.

In its ongoing development, Fraunhofer LBF is collaborating closely with Brüggemann, who will also be responsible for production and worldwide distribution.

Swift progress from development to market

Fraunhofer LBF has used its extensive know-how on the effects of polymer additives such as antioxidants, light stabilizers, flame retardants and nucleating agents to tackle the special challenges posed by recycled materials.

Due to their special reactivity, the new stabilizer systems have the potential to neutralize the effects of previous damage, paving the way for the production of recyclate with processing properties and long-term heat stability that are similar to those of virgin material. The new systems are based partially on renewable raw materials, additionally contributing to a reduced CO2 impact on the environment.

"With its many years of comprehensive experience in the field of polymer additives and its worldwide market penetration, Brüggemann is the right partner to bring our ideas for the upcycling of plastics to market quickly," emphasized Dr. Rudolf Pfaendner, Head of the Plastics Division at Fraunhofer LBF.

Building on the work of Fraunhofer LBF, Brüggemann will use its know-how and technical potential to optimize formulations. Dr. Klaus Bergmann, Head of Polymer Additives at Brüggemann said: "We are very pleased to have entered into a cooperation agreement with the Fraunhofer LBF to expand our portfolio of recycling additives to polyolefins. Ultimately, our goal is to significantly improve the quality of recyclates with the help of innovative additives, thereby making an important contribution to the upcycling of plastic waste.”

L. Brüggemann GmbH & Co. KG, a manufacturer of specialty chemicals, and Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF, have joined forces to tackle one of the challenging problems of plastics recycling.

During their lifetime, plastic articles are subjected to thermal oxidation and photo-oxidation, which can create enough damage to prevent them from being recycled into high-quality products.

In order to overcome this problem, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF, have developed new stabilizer systems to improve the properties of polyolefin recyclates, especially those made of polypropylene and polyethylene.

Brüggemann and Fraunhofer LBF have co-developed a new generation of stabilizers for high-quality polyolefin recyclates.

These pioneering stabilizers are capable of reducing the effects of previous damage to such an extent that recycled materials become suitable for processing into sophisticated molded products.

In its ongoing development, Fraunhofer LBF is collaborating closely with Brüggemann, who will also be responsible for production and worldwide distribution.

Swift progress from development to market

Fraunhofer LBF has used its extensive know-how on the effects of polymer additives such as antioxidants, light stabilizers, flame retardants and nucleating agents to tackle the special challenges posed by recycled materials.

Due to their special reactivity, the new stabilizer systems have the potential to neutralize the effects of previous damage, paving the way for the production of recyclate with processing properties and long-term heat stability that are similar to those of virgin material. The new systems are based partially on renewable raw materials, additionally contributing to a reduced CO2 impact on the environment.

"With its many years of comprehensive experience in the field of polymer additives and its worldwide market penetration, Brüggemann is the right partner to bring our ideas for the upcycling of plastics to market quickly," emphasized Dr. Rudolf Pfaendner, Head of the Plastics Division at Fraunhofer LBF.

Building on the work of Fraunhofer LBF, Brüggemann will use its know-how and technical potential to optimize formulations. Dr. Klaus Bergmann, Head of Polymer Additives at Brüggemann said: "We are very pleased to have entered into a cooperation agreement with the Fraunhofer LBF to expand our portfolio of recycling additives to polyolefins. Ultimately, our goal is to significantly improve the quality of recyclates with the help of innovative additives, thereby making an important contribution to the upcycling of plastic waste.”