November 1, 2024 11:59:59 AM
Conventus’ Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is a critical responsibility that industries must embrace in order to secure a healthier planet for future generations. The plastics industry – often scrutinized for its environmental impact – is at the forefront of this change, with companies striving to offer more eco-friendly solutions.
Conventus Polymers is leading this transformation by offering a comprehensive portfolio of sustainable materials that meet the evolving needs of various industries. Let’s explore how Conventus drives sustainable innovation and supports customers in achieving their environmental goals.
Understanding Sustainable Plastics
Calling plastics “sustainable” can prove a dangerous venture in itself. “Greenwashing” is a fear here, as companies can deceptively label their polymer solutions as green, sustainable, or eco-friendly despite no evidence to support this claim. Similarly, there is a challenge in representing products that are superior options – how can they be fairly defined?
The products we refer to as sustainable plastics encompass a range of materials designed to reduce environmental impact throughout their life cycle. The term “sustainable plastics” is often misunderstood or misused, as manufacturers must have a data-driven means to prove out any favorable impacts their solution provides. At Conventus, we believe in providing clarity and transparency around sustainable options so our customers can make informed decisions aligned with their sustainability objectives.
Sustainable plastics can be classified into several categories:
- Bio-Based Polymers: Made in whole or in part from renewable, non-fossil resources such as plants, bio-based plastics often result in lower carbon emissions over their life cycle compared to traditional plastics.
- Compostable Polymers: Biobased or petroleum-derived products designed for their end-of-life considerations, which requires careful planning of both material selection and part design.
- Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content: These materials are derived from plastics that have already been used by consumers and then recycled, helping to divert waste from landfills.
- Post-Industrial Recycled (PIR) Content: PIR materials incorporate manufacturing waste back into the production process, reducing overall waste.
- Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) Improvements: Materials that have been optimized to reduce environmental impact across their entire life cycle, from production to disposal.
Conventus’ Sustainable Product Portfolio
Conventus proudly offers a diverse range of valuable solutions that help customers develop applications for a circular economy. Our sustainable product portfolio includes:
Bio-Based Materials
Bio-based plastics are at the forefront of reducing dependency on fossil fuels. These materials, which include bio-based PBT, PC, PA, and TPU, are made from renewable resources such as sugarcane and corn. They not only help reduce carbon footprints but also offer the same, if not enhanced, performance characteristics as their traditional counterparts.
Compostable Materials
Compostable materials are a segment of what was often referred to as “biodegradable polymers” ten years ago but are more focused. These solutions are designed for composting in home-compost environments, the most broadly accepted – and one of the more demanding – categories within the industry-accepted ASTM D6400 standard. Compostable materials include offerings that may be built around natural materials, as well as highly engineered polymers such as PHA and PHA blends.
Chemical Recycling
Chemical recycling is a revolutionary process that breaks down polymers into their original monomers, allowing them to be remade into new plastic materials. This method overcomes the limitations of traditional mechanical recycling and opens up new possibilities for using recycled plastics in high-performance applications. Conventus Polymers offers chemically recycled PC, PC/ABS, PBT, and PET/PBT, providing manufacturers with high-quality, sustainable options.
Post-Consumer Recycling
Post-consumer recycled content is essential in the fight against plastic waste. By reusing materials that consumers have discarded, Conventus supports the creation of new products without the need for virgin materials. Our PCR offerings include PC with up to 85% recycled content, PC/ABS with up to 60%, and PBT/PET blends, ensuring high-quality performance while minimizing environmental impact.
Post-Industrial Recycling
Manufacturing processes often generate waste, but with post-industrial recycling, this waste is reclaimed and reused to create new materials. We offer a range of PIR materials, including ABS, PC, PA, PP, and PBT, which are ideal for producing high-quality parts with reduced environmental impact.
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) Improvement
Life cycle analysis is a crucial tool in assessing the environmental impact of products from cradle to grave. We’re committed to offering materials like POK that have been optimized to reduce carbon emissions and other environmental impacts throughout their life cycle. These materials meet stringent environmental standards and deliver exceptional performance.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Conventus, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond just offering these special materials. We believe in responsible manufacturing practices that prioritize the environment at every stage of production. This includes reducing waste, optimizing resource use, and continuously improving our processes to minimize our ecological footprint.
“Finding solutions to our customers’ problems is our passion at Conventus,” according to Bob Montgomery. “A massive component of that challenge is helping these partners with reliable, scientifically sound products that meet their financial, performance, and sustainability objectives in one intelligent product.”
Our approach to sustainability is holistic. We work closely with our customers to understand their sustainability goals and help them select the right materials and processes to achieve them. Whether it’s reducing carbon emissions, increasing the use of recycled content, or developing new applications that promote a circular economy, we’re dedicated to supporting our customers every step of the way.
The Future of Sustainable Plastics
As the demand for sustainable materials continues to grow, Conventus continues to lead the way in innovation and development. We are constantly exploring technologies and materials that will set new standards for sustainability in the plastics industry. Our ongoing investments in research and development ensure that our customers always have access to the latest and most effective sustainable solutions.
Looking ahead, we see a future where sustainable plastics are the norm, not the exception. The transition to a circular economy is within reach, and Conventus Polymers is proud to be a part of this journey. With our extensive product portfolio and commitment to sustainability, we are well-positioned to help our customers navigate the challenges and opportunities of this new era.
Takeaways
Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at Conventus. Our comprehensive range of sustainable materials, combined with our commitment to responsible manufacturing and customer support, makes us a trusted partner for companies looking to innovate and lead in a greener future. As we continue to drive sustainable innovation, we invite you to explore how Conventus Polymers can help your business achieve its sustainability goals. Together, we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future.
For more information on our sustainable product offerings and how we can support your sustainability initiatives, contact us today. Let’s work together to create solutions that benefit both your business and the environment.