The growing utilization of plastics in industrial and consumer applications, combined with increased consumer awareness surrounding solid waste recycling, has led to an increased demand for recycled plastic resins and products. One of largest underutilised types of collected plastic materials for recycling is poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB).
PVB, is an expensive, high performance rubber with relatively few applications. It is the most common glass lamination inter-layer due to its strong adhesion, high impact resistance, high flexibility, excellent optical clarity, UV- and heat stability and moisture insensitivity.
r-PVB stands for: recycled-PVB. Its market push is driven by recovery of layered laminated safety glass. Laminated glass is normally used when there is a possibility of human impact or where the glass could fall if shattered. It’s applications are found in the construction sector – both residential and commercial – and the automotive industry. This has created a recycle industry for glass, however, in contrast to the PVB laminates, glass recovery is the driving force; PVB is considered a waste material and as such a cost. This is a waste of an expensive, valuable and non-renewable commodity as well as energy and land. While the glass is recycled, PVB is not.
An alternative to disposal in landfill is to recycle – or even better: upcycle the material by converting it into valuable products. That’s what we do at UpcyGran.
We successfully co-operate with the entire value chain . As a result, for each part we have a thorough insight of the technologies used, the material properties and the economic value addition further up the chain. This enables us to create smart product/market combinations and to select target applications where price/performance of the r-PVB matches the requirements of the industries.
UpcyGran is a proud pioneer within the emerging circular economy. In fact: we co-create the circular economy. Will you join us?
