K 2019: Innovation in Materials – How AI, Recycling, and Bio‑Based Plastics Shape the Future

Lanxess has partnered with Citrine Information to harness artificial intelligence for designing bespoke high‑performance plastics. The collaboration zeroes in on glass‑fiber sizing, enabling tailored properties and cutting development timelines.

DOMO’s “Economy” line delivers 100 % recycled nylon‑6 compounds, while “Economy Air” blends recycled nylon‑6 with recycled carbon fiber, targeting automotive, aerospace, and medical markets. Following its 2020 acquisition of Solvay’s nylon‑66 portfolio, DOMO plans to expand this sustainable offering. The company also partners on mechanical and chemical recycling initiatives.

FRX Polymers’ Novia series—non‑halogen phosphinate flame retardants—has been adopted in PC/PBT components for medical devices and electrical/electronic housings, delivering robust fire protection alongside chemical resistance and heat‑aging stability.

DSM now manufactures its Stanyl and Arnite specialty nylons with 25–42 % biomass content, and the company has set a target of 25 % renewable feedstock across its entire portfolio by 2030.

DuPont’s engineering resins were featured in a Formula One car developed with Renault, illustrating how high‑performance materials can shrink the typical automotive development window from 3–5 years to 18–24 months.

DuPont’s Zytel long‑chain nylon 612 is attracting attention for blow‑molded cooling‑pipe applications in internal‑combustion engines, a technology that can readily transition to electric‑vehicle cooling systems.

Trinseo partners with INEOS Styrolution to advance chemical recycling of polystyrene. It also supplies PC/ABS blends containing up to 70 % recycled content, and markets bio‑based and biodegradable TPU grades ideal for disposable coffee‑pod housings.

SI Group has introduced Ultranox LC—low‑color polypropylene 31—available in single‑use additive packs. The formulation contains a proprietary mineral that enhances color stability during processing.

Solvay’s Technyl Max nylon 66 underpins the industry’s first all‑plastic brake pedal, an overmolded system built on a nylon‑based composite core that eliminates the need for a metal hub.

SABIC announced a suite of material innovations driven by circular certified, bio‑based feedstocks and customer‑centric sustainability partnerships.