Milliken introduces viscosity modifier concentrates for recycled polypropylene

Milliken & Co., Spartanburg, South Carolina, has introduced its latest DeltaFlow Viscosity Modifier for recycled polypropylene (rPP), based on what it says is the latest viscosity-modification chemistry.

At the K Show in Düsseldorf from Oct. 19-26, the company displayed its broad portfolio of plastic additives and colorants, which includes these new grades of DeltaFlow. Milliken’s viscosity modifiers are solid concentrates designed to specifically help polypropylene (PP) recyclers by increasing the melt flow rate of rPP for injection molding processes. This serves to reduce energy use and enhance circularity, the company says.

The newly developed DeltaFlow grades use the latest viscosity-modification chemistry. The technology also has lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and improved organoleptics and could complement the advances being made in recycling machinery, Allan Randall, global product line manager, says.
DeltaFlow-optimized rPP allows for lower processing temperatures, which can enable converters to significantly reduce processing temperatures, reduce energy use, boost productivity and improve processability, Milliken says.

Brand owners stand to benefit, as well. DeltaFlow enables rPP to feasibly replace virgin resin in many end-use applications. This allows brands to use more rPP in their products, thereby helping them to meet their sustainability goals, according to the company.

“Demand in the market for recycled content is only increasing,” Randall says. “These products enhance the properties of rPP and make it more suitable for more applications, thereby helping to close the loop in more end uses. Our goal is to enable more and better utilization of rPP. This product line helps to deliver on that promise.”

Milliken offers this latest viscosity-modification chemistry in an easy-to-handle, nondusting, solid concentrate form for the recycling market. “Our initial focus will be on Europe, but we intend to offer these DeltaFlow options globally,” Randall says.