Page 53 - Plastics News January 2023

SABIC launches new cost effective resin First flexible food
packaging based on

recycled ocean-bound
plastic launched in
Malaysia

ABIC has launched a new grade grade using PVD, our customers can
Sof ULTEM resin that the company achieve stunning aesthetics while n Malaysia, a premium brand of
believes can assist designers in the benefiting from the practical design Iinstant noodles is now available
styling and aesthetics of consumer and manufacturing advantages of a in a flexible plastic packaging made
electronics components. The thermoplastic.” from 30% certified PCR plastic
company also claims the resin reduces The company claims customers that content. Launched at major retail
costs by approximately 25 percent have trialled ULTEM DT1820EV outlets across the country, the
packaging is is a world first.
compared to metal. resin in PVD-metallized smartphone
To further improve the appearance, camera deco ring are impressed with The development is the result of
a value chain collaboration that
this polyetherimide (PEI) material the excellent metallic appearance aimed to bring ocean bound plastic
features surface hardness to help compared to glass-filled PC using brought back into circular material
minimize scratches, and high modulus NCVM. stream for conversion to high-
to help avoid PVD layer cracks. Its Meredith Ji, Sr. Scientist, ULTEM quality flexible packaging.
high flow aims to enable complex, Resins and Additives, SABIC added: Headquartered in Malaysia,
thin-wall geometries that support “Building on ULTEM resin’s 40 years of Scientex, a producer of stretch
miniaturization and weight reduction. achievements, SABIC has developed film, is a leading player in the
Potential applications include camera another innovative material solution flexible plastic packaging industry.
deco rings, smartphone touch panel that combines beautiful aesthetics with The company has used Sabic’s
frames and smartwatch frames. practical advantages. Our new grade, certified circular polypropylene, a

Scott Fisher, business director, which is compatible with PVD, offers grade belonging to the company’s
ULTEM Resins and Additives, SABIC consumer electronics designers new Trucircle portfolio, to produce
said: “The dynamic consumer opportunities to emulate metal. But the film for the packaging. The PP,
electronics market is well known we didn’t stop there. This new grade with a mass balance accounted
for frequent style changes and fierce delivers key performance properties ocean bound plastic content of
competition. Customers are always requested by device makers, including 30%, served as a direct drop-in
looking for new materials that can UV and chemical resistance. New alternative in this new application,
provide a distinctive, high-quality ULTEM DT1820EV resin is carrying with no need to change any existing
appearance at a reasonable cost. To on our proud tradition of customer- assets and processes. Ocean bound
address this need, we developed centric innovation. To help customers plastic, or OBP, is abandoned plastic
ULTEM DT1820EV resin. It uplevels meet their net-zero goals, ULTEM waste found in areas up to 50 km
component design without the high DT1820EV resin will also be available inland from waterways that may
costs of using traditional materials like in an ISCC+ certified renewable eventually be washed into the ocean
metal. By adopting the new ULTEM version.” by rainfall, rivers or tides.

January 2023 PLASTICS NEWS 53