Page 30 - Plastics News August 2022

Industry-First Uv-C Stabilization Technology Developed For Dow And Valoregen

Polyolefins Collaborate To Build
France’s Largest Hybrid
Recycling Site

aterials development special-
Mist Dow has announced an
agreement with French recycling
company Valoregen to contribute to
building the largest single hybrid re-
cycling site in France.
Authorised by the classified in-
stallation for the protection of the
environment (I.C.P.E. - Installa-
tion Classée pour la Protection de
l’Environnement), the site is to be
owned and operated by Valoregen.
n what it's calling an industry first, UV-C radiation can deactivate The collaboration is part of Dow’s
ISolvay has announced the launch microorganisms and has been commitment to working with part-
of a portfolio of UV-C stabilizers. scientifically proven to be effective against ners to invest in innovative new re-
The materials are designed for use in coronaviruses, according to Solvay. cycling solutions, accelerate circular-
demanding hygiene applications, where However, the proven germicidal action of ity and tackle waste plastics.
polyolefin surfaces are treated with ultra- UV-C also exposes the treated surfaces to Fabrice Digonnet, Mechanical Re-
violet (UV) light in the UV-C spectrum much higher ultraviolet energy than that cycling Strategy Leader for Dow
(200 to 280 nm) to combat COVID and covered by traditional UV-A and UV-B Packaging & Specialty Plastics, said:
hospital-acquired infections. stabilizers, resulting in the potential for “We are delighted to work with Va-
The Brussels-based materials supplier faster material degradation. A member of loregen on this innovative new pro-
said that the proprietary stabilization the International Ultraviolet Association ject that can help give recycling in
technology represents an important (IUVA), Solvay has leveraged its expertise Europe a real boost. Recycling rates
milestone for the polyolefin industry. in polymer additives to develop a for plastics are still far too low and
Namely, it is the first to address the risk technology that is purpose-engineered we need to help scale the technology
of polyolefin degradation, discoloration, to enable the use of UV-C light as an and ensure a viable market for plas-
and micro-crack formation, which is anti-microbial disinfectant on polyolefin tics waste. Our investment will help
caused by frequent exposure to UV-C surfaces, while safely protecting them increase mechanical recycling rates
irradiation. against UV-C induced degradation. and, in doing so, help accelerate a
“Healthcare and other markets, such The new UV-C stabilization technology circular economy for plastics and re-
as aerospace and shared mobility, is targeted at a range of polyolefin duce carbon emissions.”
are increasingly using UV-C light to applications, including medical The project, expected to be opera-
disinfect high-contact surfaces in an equipment in operating rooms, aircraft tional and delivering recycled ma-
effort to combat pathogens, including and shared vehicle interiors, and sporting terials early next year, will mark an
coronaviruses,” said Sophie Poelmans, venues. important step in bringing together
Global Marketing Manager for Polymer mechanical and advanced recycling
Additives at Solvay Materials. “Our new Solvay will present this technology and processes. Both processes are com-
UV-C stabilization technology helps end other recent developments at K 2022 in plementary and essential to Dow’s
users achieve effective UV-C disinfection Düsseldorf, Germany, from Oct. 19 to commitment to incorporate at least
levels on surfaces made from polyolefins 26. The company is exhibiting in booth 100,000 tonnes of recycled plastics
without compromising the performance C 61 in Hall 6. in its product offerings sold in the
of the material.” European Union by 2025.

30 PLASTICS NEWS August 2022