Automotive Case Study: Novares Incorporates Recycled ABS for Volvo Cars
Novares, a leading global automotive manufacturer, is advancing sustainability goals in the industry by incorporating post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic into interior parts for vehicles. Novares is using Terluran® ECO GP-22 MR50, a mechanically recycled PCR ABS produced by INEOS Styrolution to manufacture automotive components. This material contains 50% recycled content while still maintaining the properties of virgin ABS.
Incorporating PCR Materials in Automotive
The automotive industry is working to increase sustainability efforts, with many brands pledging to incorporate more recycled plastics into vehicle production. Companies like Volvo, Ford and Toyota have set ambitious targets to lower the use of virgin plastic, with goals to increase the use of recycled or renewable plastics by 25% or more as soon as 2025.
Recently, Novares needed to source a PCR material to manufacture decorative interior door trim in Volvo vehicles. Michael Gumbko, Global Strategic Account Manager at M. Holland, explained why Terluran® ECO GP-22 MR50 from INEOS Styrolution was the ideal material for this application. “Volvo required the part to contain low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and include recycled content,” he said. “For Volvo and Novares, these two factors made Terluran® ECO GP-22 MR50 the perfect fit.”
Michael added that PCR ABS can be used for other interior automotive applications, including dashboard components, seat backs, seat belt components, handles, instrument panels and trim.
Sustainable Drop-in for Virgin ABS
Terluran® ECO GP-22 MR50 has been formulated to directly emulate the properties of virgin ABS. Despite its 50% recycled content, this product exhibits no loss of ABS properties, setting it apart from other PCR materials on the market. This resin features medium flow, good impact resistance and heat distortion resistance. Terluran® ECO GP-22 MR50 boasts great rigidity and mechanical strength along with a high-quality surface finish and gloss. It is available globally in standard black or dark grey.
“Terluran® ECO GP-22 MR50 is essentially a drop-in replacement for ABS,” said Ray Nix, Product Manager at M. Holland. “That’s relatively unique among PCR materials and makes it easier to switch to a more sustainable plastic alternative. You can be confident that the material will work the same way in the same application.”
Ray recommends Terluran® ECO GP-22 MR50 for automotive injection molders and OEMs, or any customer seeking a PCR material with properties that are equivalent to virgin ABS. This more sustainable material can also be used for smaller household appliances like coffee-maker housings and vacuum cleaners.
“Terluran® ECO GP-22 MR50 is essentially a drop-in replacement for ABS. That’s relatively unique among PCR materials and makes it easier to switch to a more sustainable plastic alternative. You can be confident that the material will work the same way in the same application.”
Ray Nix, Product Manager at M. Holland
Working with Brands to Increase Sustainability
As interest in recycled content increases across the plastics industry, producers must balance brand and customer sustainability requirements with their own business interests. Learn how sustainable materials may fit into your operations by visiting M. Holland’s Sustainability market page or learn more about the capabilities of Terluran® ECO GP-22 MR50 in its technical datasheet. For more information about Terluran® ECO materials from INEOS Styrolution, click here.