Milliken & Co. is offering processors additives that can help improve recycling and meet other sustainability goals.
DeltaMax-brand additives can be used to increase the processability of recycled polypropylene resins while maintaining or increasing toughness, officials with Milliken in Spartanburg, S.C., said.
The firm's Millad NX 8000 ECO clarifying agent provides glasslike clarity and a bright appearance while helping to conserve energy through faster production speeds. It's recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers for its compatibility with plastic packaging recycling.
Milliken's UltraGuard Solutions enhance the barrier performance of polyethylene resin, reducing the transmission of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds by 20-60 percent. The materials also encourage use of PE without additional metal and multimaterial barriers that inhibit recyclability.
In February, Milliken joined the Global Organization for PHA (GO!PHA) to help address technical and market development challenges related to polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biodegradable biopolymers. Officials said Milliken will bring to GO!PHA its expertise in polymer chemistry to help improve the processing, performance, aesthetics and other important attributes of PHA.
Milliken in March acquired Zebra-chem GmbH, a global chemicals company headquartered in Bad Bentheim, Germany, known for its peroxide and blowing agent masterbatches. Peroxide masterbatches, like those from Zebra-chem and Milliken, make it possible to use up to 100 percent recycled content in new plastics.
Milliken has also partnered with PureCycle Technologies to improve the viability of recycled PP and help solve the material's end-of-life challenge. As part of that partnership, officials said Milliken will work with PureCycle to supply additives and technical applications support for restoring recycled PP to virginlike quality.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Milliken has collaborated with several plastics manufacturers to evaluate NX UltraClear for protective face shields. Officials said shields using the materials are in the market and are being used by front-line workers.
Milliken is one of the world's largest privately held chemicals and textiles makers, with more than 7,000 employees worldwide.