Product designers need to “challenge the norms” to drive increase polymer use says Axion

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Axion Polymers has urged product designers to think along more circular lines to encourage greater uptake of recycled polymers in new goods.

Its director Keith Freegard has said that recognising strong market drivers, such as resource scarcity, oil price volatility and growing consumer demand for sustainable products, while working within the pre-set design constraints presented by recycled polymers are all factors that need to be considered.

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He added: “Engaging with product specifiers and designers to make them recognise the clear environmental, economic and sustainable benefits of using recycled plastics is essential if we are to increase the uptake of recycled content in new items.

“This is vital if we are to realise the wider aims of sustainable manufacturing and the circular economy.”

Designers have an important role to play in making their clients aware of the potential benefits and savings that could result from specifying and inclusion of closed-loop recyclates at an early state in the product development process.

He pointed to Axion’s success with its Axpoly r-PP51 1047 polymer made from 80 per cent recovered plastic from end-of-life vehicles plus 20 per cent from packaging waste, which goes back into new car components and Axpoly r-PS01 3067 toy grade polymer derived from waste fridge plastic.

“Essentially, designers must challenge the client brief and think about circular materials flow using proven recycled polymers that can deliver multiple benefits.

“There’s enough good quality recycled material out there now for organisations to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. We’d be happy to enlighten designers if they wished to tour our recycling facilities in Manchester.”