In Germany alone, around 550 000 to 600 000 tons of technical rubber waste are produced every year that do not originate from tire applications. The industry is therefore increasingly recognizing the need for "greener solutions", for example by improving the recyclability of elastomers or using bio-based elastomers. To shape a circular elastomer industry, scientists at Fraunhofer CCPE, led by Dr. Annika Schlander, Head of the Elastomer Technology team at Fraunhofer LBF, have analyzed the current state of the art and new approaches in elastomer recycling. Their results and proposals will be presented at the Fraunhofer CCPE online event on April 25, 2024.

A process for recycling cross-linked elastomers made from ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) has been tested in several projects at the Fraunhofer ICT. By devulcanizing EPDM waste, it can then be used as a filler in the production of new seals in the automotive sector or in washing machines, for example. "The plastics of the future will be made from circular carbon. This characteristic feature also applies to elastomers," says Dr. Daniel Zehm, Head of Research Department Circular Additives and Compounds. The team led by the scientist is developing new thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPEE) based on biogenic raw materials. The synthesis process can be implemented on an industrial scale and provides the first sample quantities.

Exciting research results with an accompanying panel discussion, in which industrial companies will also participate, await you on April 25, 2024 at our next Fraunhofer CCPE compact on the topic of "Elastomers - Advanced technologies for recycling". The event will be chaired by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Tobias Melz, Institute Director of Fraunhofer LBF and member of the Board of Management of Fraunhofer CCPE.

You can register free of charge for the online event Fraunhofer CCPE compact here. The event will be held online in English.