First carbon labelled polymer launched
July 23, 2010
Polymer producer Axion of Manchester has introduced what it says is the first product on the UK and European markets with the carbon reduction label. Axpoly PS13 post-consumer recycled polystyrene is derived from retail packaging waste, specifically garment hangers.
The product has gained PAS 2050 certification, as well as the carbon reduction label in June following a comprehensive reduction of the product’s carbon footprint. Axion will extend the range in the future.
In comparison to the full supply chain for oil-based virgin polymer, Axpoly PS13 only creates 17 per cent of the usual emissions. This means that based on current output of Axpoly and also Axfoil – the sheet form of the polystyrene - it saves around 15,000 tonnes per annum of CO2 emissions when compared to the same volume of virgin polystyrene.
As part of the initiative to cut carbon emission, staff at Axion took part in a course at the Carbon Trust on specialist carbon calculation software that enabled them to complete a full ‘cradle to gate’ life-cycle analysis on its operations and those of its raw material supplier. The firm has also committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 10 per cent in 2012 and 15 per cent by 2015.
The polystyrene can be used in a variety of closed-loop recycling applications for new products, such as flat screen TV panels, washing machine components and horticultural pots.
General Manager of The Carbon Trust Footprinting Company, Euan Murray commented: “By adopting the Carbon Reduction Label, Axion Polymers has committed to reduce the carbon footprint of its Axpoly PS13 product in two years. Not only does that make environmental sense it makes economic sense, because of the energy and waste reductions it will help to deliver."
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