Recycled polymer ranges drive expansion for Axion

A growing demand for technically sound recycled polymer compounds is driving demand for Axion Polymers.

The Manchester-based recycler says demand is rising, particularly from the construction, drainage, water and horticultural sectors, for sustainably sourced and competitively-priced high-grade polymers that can be formulated to match exact specifications.

“More manufacturers are recognising the value of using recycled polymers that not only can be modified to suit specific requirements, such as adjusting melt flow, impact resistance and tensile strength, but also are genuinely sustainable,” explained Mark Keenan, Development Technologist.

Axion’s range of Axpoly high-grade recycled plastics is sourced from their end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling facility, the Shredder Waste Advanced Processing Plant (SWAPP) at Trafford Park and refined further at its advanced polymer processing site in Salford.

“We are working with a number of new customers, including a building components manufacturer, for whom we have developed polymers with specific characteristics for their respective products. Of course, all customers also benefit from the opportunity to reduce their carbon impact, the cost savings on virgin plastics and reliable, consistent supply,” Keenan continued.

A recent example is bio-reactor packing pieces where Axion’s team achieved the precise melt flow rate to rapidly fill a complicated 24-up injection moulding tool. Following technical consultations at the customer’s site, custom compounds were developed to suit the process. The polymer underwent extensive tests to ensure the formulation was correct. The initial success led to Axion supplying a further variation to the original polypropylene grade.

“In the transition to a circular materials economy, it’s clear that manufacturers are recognising the advantages of using high-quality recycled polymers in new products. At Axion Polymers, our expertise, technology and products can help them realise their vision,” Keenan concluded.