Luxus been awarded £600,000 in EU funding to expand recycled PP production

14-Jan-15

Plastics recycling and compounding company Luxus been awarded £600,000 in EU funding to expand a project to produce polypropylene compounds with a high recycled content for car manufacturing. Luxus also develops specialised prime plastic compounds from prime feedstocks. With the help of funding from the EU, the firm is now aiming to commercialise its ‘Hycolene’ range of lightweight polypropylene compounds, which will be used for producing ‘interior trim’ for vehicles by European car manufacturers. Luxus has developed the lightweight PP range, which is made up of 60% recycled content and is carrying out testing on the product alongside twin screw manufacturer Coperion and Jaguar Land Rover. The auto manufacturer will be providing end user guidance on the project to ensure the technical requirements of the car industry are met, allowing exploitation of this technology in future auto applications across the industry. Luxus managing director Peter Atterby, said: “We’re pleased that the commercial potential of our Hycolene range has been recognised by the EU. This investment will enable us to effectively make a fundamental step change in our technology as we aim to replace our filled components with next generation reinforcing additives. These additives offer excellent tensile properties that don’t detract from the appearance of the moulded compound, yet their adoption reduces weight by up to 12% per part and significantly improves scratch resistance to meet industry standards. The new grades will also offer a lower density than is currently provided, while still delivering up to 60% recycled PP. The result of all this is that tier 1 moulding supplies will be able to produce more parts per tonne of the mineral as they will benefit from a much faster cycle time. This will offset the slightly higher price these new advanced grades will require.” Luxus aims to gain a 2% share of the EU interior trim market by 2016 and is preparing a patent application for the new polymer technology process.