Extrusion International 4-2025-USA

24 Extrusion International 4/2025 INDUSTRY NEWS Portfolio Strengthened Plastics distributor Ultrapolymers and Lavergne, a leading global manufacturer of high-quality post- consumer recycled (PCR) plastics, have entered into an exclusive Eu- rope-wide distribution partnership. The agreement covers Lavergne's VYTEEN (rABS, rPC), VYPET (rPET) and VYSTYRENE (rHIPS) PCR prod- uct families. The raw materials used come from the recycling of electrical and electronic products, other recy - cling programmes and the collec- tion of ocean-bound plastics (OBP). Ultrapolymers manages the storage and distribution of these recycled plastic resins in Europe through its regional sites. VYTEEN delivers high-perfor- mance recycled Acrylonitrile Buta- diene Styrene (rABS), known for its strength and versatility. The base polymer is made from post-consum- er recycled plastics and offers per- formance comparable to virgin ABS, featuring excellent tensile strength, impact resistance, and dimensional stability. These ABS resins undergo rigorous quality control to ensure tight tolerances and consistent per- formance. Lavergne’s advanced production processes guarantee each batch meets precise standards, making them reliable for high-pre- cision applications. They offer ex- cellent flow properties, seamlessly integrating into injection molding and extrusion processes for smooth, efficient production. VYTEEN ABS is available with a minimum of 85% post-consumer recycled content in various shades of black and grey. Beyond ABS, and depending on requirements, unreinforced and glass-reinforced PC grades, as well as glass-reinforced PC/ABS grades, are available with various levels of halogen-free flame retardancy. VYPET is made from cleaned, recycled polyethylene terephthal- ate (rPET), closing the loop from used disposable bottles and film, and even ocean-bound plastics, to recycled thermoplastic polyester. Thanks to Lavergne’s proprietary formulating and manufacturing capabilities, the VYPET products are upcycled into various polyester compounds (polyethylene tere- phthalate – PET, polybutylene tere - phthalate – PBT) for enhanced re- use. These engineered compounds are proven suitable for a wide range of applications, including the auto - motive industry, electrical and elec - tronic components, and household appliances and furniture. Depend- ing on the application, PET and PET/ PBT grades reinforced with glass fibres are available, as well as fi - bre/mineral reinforced grades with different filler contents, including flame retardant grades. VYSTYRENE provides a sustain- able, high-quality alternative to virgin HIPS (high-impact poly- styrene). With a balanced ratio of impact strength and stiffness, VYSTYRENE is ideal for applica- tions including general electronics, consumer electronics, and white goods, segments where the materi - al is commonly recovered under the WEEE Directive. Made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastics, VY - STYRENE supports CO 2 emissions re- duction while delivering durability and performance on par with virgin HIPS. These resins feature tight tol- erances, reliable dimensional stabil - ity, and seamless compatibility with injection molding and extrusion processes. Dieter Vogeleer, European Prod - uct Manager at Ultrapolymers, comments: “Sustainability is in the DNA of both Lavergne and Ultra- polymers. As one of the most expe- rienced polymer distributors in the European market, we have exten - sive market coverage. With the ad- dition of Lavergne's products, we can now meet almost all of our cus- tomers' needs as they move towards greater sustainability. Together we are doing our part to drive innova- tion and sustainability in the plastics industry.” VYTEEN®, VYPET® and VYSTYRENE® are trademarks of Lavergne Ultrapolymers Deutschland GmbH www.ultrapolymers.com Lavergne specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing high-value sustainable alloys and composites, using 100% post-consumer recycled plastics (© Lavergne)