Audia Elastomers has announced the introduction of the OP line of TPEs based on marine waste plastics. The company based in Washington, PA, USA; said that the challenge of pollution in our oceans is multifaceted and requires more than one solution. The most important step in stopping and preventing ocean waste is intercepting waste before it ever enters the oceans or a waterway. Therefore, a key component of Audia’s initiative is to create a market for recycled plastic from regions with poor existing waste infrastructure before it enters the ocean.
Marine fishing gear is also a major contributor to ocean waste and historically, a large amount of fishing gear has been abandoned at sea. To solve this issue, Audia is focusing on creating products made from used fishing gear materials to create a market for the end-of-life gear and help keep it from being left at sea. Lastly, collecting and cleaning up existing waste in the oceans and on the beaches requires outlets for waste that may be degraded by salt water and light exposure.
The OP line of elastomers tackle all of these issues with recycled materials sourced from at risk regions, upcycling used commercial fishing gear, and salvaging plastic waste from marine and beach clean-up efforts. It includes products with up to 45 % marine waste and 70 % total recycled material content in a wide range of hardness from 35 Shore A to 95 Shore A. The company said that raw materials sources are customised for each brand owner to focus on at-risk recycling, fishing gear, or beach clean-up. These materials are said to be able to compete in high performance applications for consumer goods, toys, electronics, and sporting equipment against conventional TPEs. The new range increases the potential market for marine waste beyond basic PET fibres and containers and allows more brand owners the opportunity to help keep oceans clean and free from debris.