Polyplastics Group has developed PLASTRON(R) LFT, a long cellulose fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) resin, which incorporates regenerated cellulose fibers made using a solvent method. The use of cellulose, a sustainable raw material that absorbs carbon dioxide during manufacturing, results in lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than typical glass fiber. The solvent method generates minimal waste and recovers almost 100% of the solvent. The resin has nearly 10% lower density than glass fiber-reinforced PP resin, further reducing its GHG emissions. Polyplastics has obtained patents worldwide for resins reinforced with long-regenerated cellulose fiber, including solvent method cellulose fiber. This eco-friendly material is ideal for automotive applications such as door module carriers, center consoles, and armrest cores.
By nature, cellulose is extraordinarily difficult to dissolve in solvents. Today, a significant majority of typical regenerated cellulose is manufactured using a complex process which involves modification of the cellulose, followed by dissolving in solvent and spinning, and finally restoring the original cellulose form. This process results in significant emissions of GHGs, including carbon dioxide. In comparison, the solvent method involves a closed process that recovers virtually 100% of the solvent. It generates minimal waste and produces materials that are even more eco-friendly. The company has earned multiple patents throughout the world for resins reinforced with long-regenerated cellulose fiber, including solvent method cellulose fiber.