Cleveland — Distribution firm Palmer Holland is seeing increased interest in sustainable materials.
"Plastics can be considered a dirty word," plastics market manager Samantha Sullivan said Nov. 15 at AMI Plastics World Expos in Cleveland. "It's our job to talk about sustainability."
Customers of Westlake, Ohio-based Palmer Holland are asking for materials that incorporate post-consumer or post-industrial resin, or that are renewable or bio-based. Sullivan said that advances in plastics sustainability have increased interest in these materials.
Sustainable materials have improved in several ways, she added, including better performance. Customers and end users now have more defined requirements and regulatory standards are more in alignment, Sullivan said.
"Our customers are looking for a balance of affordability and profitability," she added.
Palmer Holland is focusing on sustainable materials in some of its core markets, including building and construction and automotive. Sullivan said the materials can provide lightweighting in electric vehicles and similar applications. The firm's customers in film and packaging also are using more post-consumer content.
"Our goal is to listen to our customers and customize solutions for them that meet their needs," Sullivan said. Palmer Holland provides sustainable materials from several suppliers, including Arkema, Baerlocher, Clariant, Elix Polymers and Ind Hemp.
Palmer Holland's plastics line includes additives for PVC, polypropylene and other resins and end products, as well as elastomers. The firm sells plastics-related materials from more than 30 suppliers.