At K 2010, DSM Engineering Plastics will announce the commercialization of Akulon RC, a portfolio of post-industrial recycled grades of PA6 for use in Automotive under-the-bonnet applications. The new material is planned to be available from the end of 2010 – with first commercial applications following in early 2011.Akulon RC will be available in a number of grades, including RC grades of Akulon Ultraflow. The development of Akulon RC is fully in line with the automotive industry’s drive for ecologically sound and sustainable solutions.
The new material is being evaluated by, amongst others, leading Tier1 supplier Mark IV Systèmes Moteurs. Raw Materials Buyer Valérie Tiddia says: - At Mark IV we are currently evaluating DSM's new Akulon RC grades for our applications. We appreciate DSM's continuous efforts to work with us on more sustainable solutions. DSM is clearly leading in their environmental approach to customers.
Speaking for DSM Engineering Plastics, Krijn Dijkstra, Global Segment Manager says: - DSM Engineering Plastics is committed to expanding its environmentally aware portfolio. By focusing on eco-efficiency and sustainability, DSM drives its innovation cycle to ensure that key new product innovation and/or development meets the evolving needs of customers, whilst ensuring that products meet key sustainability objectives.
As a strong partner to the automotive industry, DSM Engineering Plastics has introduced a range of both new materials and specific grades of existing materials, designed to deliver the required performance, whilst meeting the overall industry trends for lighter, more effective and greener solutions. Engineering plastics play an important role in this segment as they offer significant opportunities for system cost reduction, improved reliability and weight reduction for fuel economy.
As major supplier of many polymers for use at higher temperatures, DSM Engineering Plastics has a long track record in this industry, and is able to match highest quality and reliability demands.
On part component level, DSM contributes to the industry drivers by offering innovative solutions for parts integration (e.g. Laser Direct Structuring Technology), reduced wall thicknesses (e.g Stanyl High Flow PA46), cycle time reductions (e.g. Akulon Ultraflow PA6) and base polymer cost-down alternatives like PPA replacement by Arnite PET. Most recently, DSM Engineering Plastics has further expanded its Green Portfolio with the introduction of EcoPaXX, a bio-based, high performance engineering plastic based on polyamide (PA) 410. The new material has a zero carbon footprint from cradle to gate.
