Evonik presents a process additive for efficient recycling of waste rubber
At this year K fair in Düsseldorf, Evonik will be presenting VESTENAMER®. The unique process additive allows waste rubber to be efficiently processed into a tough material used again in a variety of applications such as road construction, sports or playgrounds.
Every year, a waste volume of some 19.3 million metric tons of scrap tires is generated worldwide – including over 3.6 million metric tons in Europe alone. 20 years ago, over half of all scrap tires were incinerated to generate energy in Germany alone, while only every tenth scrap tire was processed into granulate. By now, the volume of the latter has caught up with energy-related processing. With VESTENAMER®, Evonik helps close the materials cycle for rubber—sustainably.
In the recycling of waste rubber, the addition of VESTENAMER® is an application that has already proven its worth in the production from useful waste of rubber articles such as floor coverings, mats, and stand systems for signposting of road works and barriers.
More efficiency in rubber recycling
“As a process additive VESTENAMER® improves the flowability of the rubber compound, as a result of which the material can be processed much more efficiently. The reactivity and polymer structure of VESTENAMER® are also important here: Both lead to a good network density between the rubber particles. This in turn positively impacts the mechanical properties,” says Dr. Peter Hannen, market development manager for VESTENAMER®. “In short, Evonik’s process additive improves both the cost effectiveness of processing and the quality of the rubber parts when rubber is recycled.”
In addition to the economic aspect of providing a cost-efficient raw material, the material recycling of scrap tires is also becoming more important from the ecological viewpoint. For example, the use of scrap tire granulate in new products contributes significantly toward reducing the carbon footprint by up to one third as compared with products that do not use a recycled material. And the closed circular economy of rubber also alleviates the global scrap-tire problem.
VESTENAMER® has been used as a process additive from Evonik in the rubber industry for many years. Manufactured in the Marl Chemical Park (Germany), the polyoctenamer solves a number of different challenges in the compounding and processing of rubber; It is also used as an aid in the recycling of waste rubber.
Learn more about Evonik’s high-performance materials and additives by visiting us at booth B28, hall 6 at the K fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, October 16-23.
Company information
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The focus on more specialty businesses, customer-oriented innovative prowess and a trustful and performance-oriented corporate culture form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. They are the lever for profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company. Evonik benefits specifically from its customer proximity and leading market positions. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2018, the enterprise with more than 32,000 employees generated sales of €13.3 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.15 billion from continuing operations.
About Resource Efficiency
The Resource Efficiency segment is led by Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH and produces high performance materials and specialty additives for environmentally friendly as well as energy-efficient systems to the automotive, paints & coatings, adhesives, construction, and many other industries. This segment employed about 10,000 employees, and generated sales of around €5.5 billion in 2018 from continuing operations.
Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.