Written on 07.11.2011 - Technology
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Dow presents results of LCA study for Infuse at Plastics Caps and Closures Conference

Findings from a recent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Infuse olefin block copolymers conducted by Dow Elastomers reveal sustainable advantages in hot-fill cap liners, an application where OBCs and styrenic copolymers can be used at the same mass loading. The results of this study have been presented at the „Plastics Caps and Closures Conference 2011“ (2-3 November 2011, Brussels) by Enrique Torres, Caps and Closures Marketing Manager, and Dr. Olaf Henschke, Caps and Closures Technical Leader (both Dow Elastomers, EMEA).

The LCA compared the “cradle to gate” production of Infuse with styrenic copolymers for hot-fill cap liners in the following key impact areas:

total energy use (the cumulative energy demand, or CED),
global warming potential (GWP),
acidification potential (AP),
photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP),
eutrophication potential (EP) and water consumption during the production of raw materials and polymerization to the copolymers.

According to a synopsis in a company statement the key findings of the LCA, conducted following ISO standards 14040 and 14044, were:

The cumulative energy demand (CED) for producing Infuse is 23-39 % lower compared to neat SEBS.
The CED for compounded Infuse is 11-21 % lower than for compounded SEBS (with mineral oil and PP).
The GWP100a („carbon footprint‟) for the production of compounded Infuse is 23-38 % less than for SEBS compounds.

“The Life Cycle Assessment of Infuse OBCs further exemplifies the commitment Dow has made to creating sustainable solutions that aim at meeting manufacturer and consumer demands for quality and performance,” said Karen Fennessy-Ketola, Global Infuse Platform Director for Dow Elastomers. “Dow is continuing to discover uses for Infuse OBCs every day, and the validation of this product as a more sustainable alternative to styrenic copolymers opens these opportunities further.”

Dow said that these OPCs are increasingly becoming a material of choice in a diverse range of market segments and applications, particularly where environmental concerns are key, such as food contact containers, carpet backing, toys, sporting goods, and hygiene products like baby diapers. They are said to offer a variety of advantages including formulation flexibility, elasticity at room and elevated temperatures and abrasion resistance. Recyclability, resilience, softness, toughness, and good colourability are further benefits.