US compounder and distributor Avient (Avon Lake, Ohio; www.avient.com) launched two polyketone-based materials that deliver performance comparable to PA 6, PA 6.6 and POM with lower production-related CO₂ levels. The “Edgetek PKE” series includes short glass-reinforced formulations with 10%-40% short glass fibre. These grades target industrial, electronics and transportation applications such as pipe and tubing, electrical battery components and under-the-hood components that come in contact with fuel or chemicals. The “LubriOne PKE” materials are internally lubricated grades with wear resistance and low coefficient of friction properties; applications include conveyor belts, gears, switches, pumps and spigots.

The new grades bring a reduction of carbon footprint and sustainability benefits versus competitive materials. They are formaldehyde-free, which addresses concerns of volatile-organic compounds (VOCs) in manufacturing when compared to POM, and the PK base resin production emits up to 61% less CO₂ than polyamide or POM.

Avient also launched its “Rejoin PCR Masterbatch” line for polyolefin packaging applications, made with post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyolefin as a carrier resin, rather than a virgin resin. The use of colourants and additives that rely on a virgin carrier resin hampers a material user’s ability to fully deliver on their sustainability commitments since their finished product, at typical let-down ratios, would contain 3%-5% virgin plastics.

Rejoin PCR Masterbatch enables a bottle or part to be manufactured from 100% PCR, the company said. It combines pigments and functional additives into a single solution without negatively impacting colour or mechanical properties.