ESSEN, Germany—Evonik Industries A.G. is advancing its sustainable elastomer portfolio with the introduction of a new polyamide 12 (PEBA) elastomer made up of 50 percent recycled tires.
Vestamid eCO E40 replaces 50 percent of fossil raw materials with "materials obtained from chemical recycling of used tires," Evonik said.
In addition, Evonik said that it consumes only renewable energy in the production of the material, helping it reduce its carbon footprint by a total of 42 percent.
Like its classically produced counterpart Vestamid E40, the material is a thermoplastic elastomer from the polyether block amide family and can replace conventional molding compounds immediately "without any restrictions."
The PEBA molding compounds are particularly used for the production of sporting goods, including shoe soles.
The soles, according to Evonik, exhibit "excellent low-temperature impact strength, chemical resistance and high elasticity, and are easy to color, process and overmold."
Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].