AKRO PRECITE® post-consumer compounds provide strong, stiff polyester with a smaller carbon footprint. These materials are a tool brands can use as they seek to meet consumer demand for more sustainable products, and to comply with regulations on recycled content.
Even without recycled content, PRECITE® has an inherently lower CO₂ footprint than other polymers, such as polyamide. PRECITE® ECO variants can lower the carbon footprint even further and help divert plastics from landfills.
Sustainable performance
The PRECITE® ECO line consists of polyester products derived from post-consumer recycled bottles. Once this PCR waste is processed, this recycled content exhibits mechanical properties nearly identitical to that of virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
The recycled PET is blended with virgin content (PBT or PET) resulting in a final material containing 25 to 30% PCR depending on the product. This blend can be used as a direct alternative to a pure polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) compound.
The combined CO₂ saved from both aspects of this process is significant. PRECITE® ECO products made of mixed PBT and rPET may generate only 65% of the carbon footprint of a comparable non-PRECITE® product.
The benefits of AKRO PRECITE® post-consumer compounds
PRECITE® thermoplastic polyesters are ideal for applications that demand high precision. All products in this category include outstanding heat aging, excellent gliding properties and wear resistance. PRECITE® ECO allows manufacturers to access these benefits while adopting more sustainable practices.
AKRO PRECITE® post-consumer compounds can match PBT in strength, stiffness, and surface quality
When paired with a comparable filler content, PRECITE® K ECO grades are as strong and stiff as similar PBT compounds. Another advantage is the excellent surface quality. Thanks to these properties, PRECITE® K ECO products can replace PBT in many applications.
PRECITE® ECO products can be made hydrolysis-resistant
Hydrolysis-resistant grades of PRECITE® ECO can withstand humidity and moisture. These compounds are well-suited to applications where they may come into contact with water or steam.
PRECITE® outperforms polyamides in dimensional stability
Because it absorbs little moisture, PRECITE® displays much higher dimensional stability than polyamides. This makes it well-suited to high-precision applications.
Some AKRO PRECITE® ECO compounds can be processed at lower temperatures
In the case of products from the PRECITE® K ECO product range, blends of PBT and rPET allow for lower processing temperatures than commonly required with pure PET products. Instead, these polyesters can be molded at temperatures between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius, as is common with pure PBT materials. This allows for significant energy savings.
AKRO-PLASTIC PRECITE® K ECO can often use existing PBT molds
In many cases, PRECITE® K ECO can be processed using the same PBT molds manufacturers already own. This is made possible by the similar processing temperature as well as similar rates of shrinkage.
When manufacturers can reuse molds, they are able to make the switch to more sustainable materials at a much lower cost and much more quickly.
Find the AKRO PRECITE® ECO product that’s right for your needs
Materials from the PRECITE® ECO product line can be used in a wide range of applications. These include numerous automotive parts, and many types of connectors.
IMCD is here to help you determine the best material for your needs, and can provide specification sheets and samples. Please contact your representative for further information.
