Industry experts AMI expect fast growth in chemical plastics recycling to complement mechanical recycling. Plastics use and waste, especially in packaging, continues to grow, even in Europe. Mechanical recycling capacity is insufficient. Plastic use and waste per inhabitant increased nearly 25% in Europe 2009-2019, with some 30 million tonnes of plastic waste produced of which only 41% recycled by 2021.

A TU Darmstadt thesis suggests that PIN FRs are not an obstacle to mechanical recycling of thermoplastics. Mineral, nitrogen and phosphorus based PIN flame retardants (ATH, sepiolite, aluminium diethylphosphinate, piperazine pyrophosphate, phosphate ester, APP, melamine cyanurate) were tested in various thermoplastics: polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polycarbonate/ABS blend, including with glass fibres and stabilisers.

Two phosphorus PIN FRs show to protect polymer properties in recycling (multiple re-extrusion cycles) of PET. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), a polymer widely used for films and textiles, was tested pure and flame retarded with DOPO-PEPA (5%) or with a phosphate ester (3%).

Different solvents were tested for chemical recycling of mixed E&E waste showing recovery of polymers and removal of FRs. Mixed, shredded E&E plastic waste was provided by a commercial waste recycler in the USA, after mill beating and metal separation.

Based on measurements in plastics samples, tonnages of halogenated FRs in recycled plastics in China were estimated. Total levels of twelve halogenated flame retardants (HFRs)* were measured in 23 samples of recycled plastics, manufactured in five Chinese provinces. Mean total HFR concentrations were approx. 4 – 60 µg/kg for different recycled polymers tested**.

Phosphorus, nitrogen and inorganics used in polyurethane chemical recycling produce PIN flame retardant recycled PUR. Glycolysis is the most widespread route for chemical recycling of polyurethanes (PUR). Glycols or glycerol (which can be bio-derived), with catalysts, are used as depolymerising agents (usually at around 180 to 240°C).

Denim cotton fabric can be recycled using PIN flame retardants to produce composite boards for fire compartmentation. The world produces some 150 million t/y of textile waste.

Texas A&M scientists propose phosphorus-based one-dip UV cured fire protective coatings for wood and other materials. The new coating presented at the ACS (American Chemical Society) conference uses an aqueous solution of hydroxyethyl methacrylate phosphate (HMP) monomer, polyethylenimine (PEI) polymer and a the photoinitiator TPO.

pinfa member FRX Polymers’ polymeric phosphorus PIN FR GreenScreen 3 Benchmark recognises safety and non-toxicity. GreenScreen is a leading ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria), referenced by mainstream labelling organisations, for example the TCO label (see above).

Laird (Dupont group) offers non-halogenated flame retardant EMI (electromagnetic interference) gaskets. With roots back to 1824, and after acquisitions including Emerson & Cuming, BMI, Steward, and Thermagon, Laird Performance Materials is today part of Dupont and specialises in materials for protection of electronic devices from harmful heat and disruptive electromagnetic interference

A silicon polyphosphoramide was synthesised and tested as a PIN flame retardant for bio-based polylactide plastic.

Iron alginate at 8% w/w in epoxy resin halved both peak heat release rate and smoke release rate in epoxy. Iron alginate was produced by aqueous reaction of sodium alginate, which can be extracted from marine plants, with the ferric salts, then dried, pulverised and mixed into epoxy resin during curing.

To 14th March 2022. Questions whether RoHS Directive should be maintained, updated, tightened, repealed or replaced.

The NY ban on brominated FRs in TV/display stands and casings now requires notification of any organohalogen FRs.

To 25th March, Canada, consultation on information and labelling on chemicals in products, including FRs in furniture

‘Best Buy’ announces EU TV EcoDesign criteria for its leading TVs, so excluding halogenated FRs from enclosures and stand. The company is one of the world’s biggest electronics retailers with nearly US$50 billion turnover and nearly 1 200 stores worldwide.

Survey by equipment & servicing company JLA says UK companies do not ensure fire safety for sites, staff and visitors.

NGO says top priorities are to reduce and reuse, and chemical recycling must show verifiable, positive carbon footprint.

An active year for pinfa in Europe & worldwide: five new members, strategy and advocacy, new communications tools.

pinfa has launched an analysis of how recycling regulation and technologies will offer opportunities for PIN flame retardants.

pinfa has outlined a Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability roadmap for FRs to address Green Deal opportunities. The EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, part of the Green Deal, was published in October 2020 and foresees far-reaching developments in chemicals regulation and policies in Europe (summary pinfa Newsletter n°119).

London Fire Brigade says 1 149 buildings in London need a 24-hour “waking watch” because of severe fire safety defects. These “waking watches” were put into place in fire-unsafe buildings in London following the Grenfell Tower fire, in which 72 people died.

Modelling study, funded by Kingspan, concludes tenability inside Grenfell flats was independent of insulating material. Kingspan is the manufacturer of one of the insulation cladding products which burnt in the Grenfell Tower fire.

The European Coatings webforum showed how PIN FRs enable safe use in buildings of the renewable material, wood. The webinar, hosted by Katrin Vogt, European Coatings Journal,  brought together nearly...