Trelleborg Sealing Solutions recently launched two ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber grades with up to a 55 percent lower product carbon footprint (PCF).
The EPDMs are created from raw polymers based on non-fossil sources derived from renewable ingredients, like cooking oil, straw, forestry residue and tall oil.
The range comprises the 70 Shore A hardness E7T11 and 80 Shore A E8T12, both suitable for the production of O-Rings, gaskets and custom-engineered products.
Additional features include:
- Suitability for automotive, processing, manufacturing, automation, energy, agriculture, and construction and mining equipment markets.
- Applicability in engines, doors, pumps, valves, line connector seals, household appliances, air cylinders, solar panels, marine hatches and doors, and an array of functions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, freezing and refrigeration.
- In compound form, E7T11 has a carbon footprint reduction of 51% and E8T12 a carbon footprint reduction of 61% compared to traditional materials.
The new materials were developed in partnership with raw materials supplier Arlanxeo. Arlanxeo’s bio-circular EPDM grades are ISCC PLUS certified using the "mass balance approach" which tracks the use of bio-circular feedstock in the production of their rubber. This guarantees that the volume of bio-circular products sold under the Keltan Eco-BC polymers label is consistent with the source feedstock.
Trelleborg then combines the EPDM with a combination of recycled carbon black derived from sources such as used tires to create the compounds.
To ensure the validity of the methodology for PCF calculations, Trelleborg worked with Sphera Solutions, experts in sustainability and operational risk management software platforms. The methodology is in the process of being validated by DEKRA, an internationally recognized certifying authority.
For more information, visit https://www.trelleborg.com/.
