Celanese is taking a "customer-centered approach" to sustainability.
Speaking at Fakuma 2023, Steffi Götzel, head of Celanese's global sustainability business, said, "We focus on the key trends, as customers may have different priorities. Overall, this is a shift from fossil to renewable materials, whether these are bio-based or recycled and reclaimed."
In a recent example, Celanese worked with Tier 2 automotive parts supplier Trelleborg Boots to design a suspension shock absorber that eliminates the need for base cups, rings, or dust covers. The design includes a snap-on assembly that increases durability and eliminates strut contact so there is no increased friction, wear or abrasive noise.
The new suspension shock absorber is made from molded Hytrel TPC brand TPE from Celanese. It is expected to be more durable than traditional products made from polyurethane foam.
Steffi Götzel says Trelleborg is looking to improve its carbon footprint and wants "more recyclable solutions".
Steffi Götzel adds, "The key driver is performance, but the material must also meet the design requirements. We can reduce the number of parts, the weight or the amount of material used."
According to Steffi Götzel, the choice of materials also depends on the "maturity of the customer". "Some customers know what kind of sustainable materials they want; others are in the beginning stages and are still collecting data."
Celanese also introduced the new Santoprene® TPV ECO-R product, which is easier to recycle than thermoset rubber, a material used in garden hoses.
The new ECO-R solution includes post-consumer recycled material content. Two grades are already available with at least 15 percent recycled content. Celanese estimates that these materials can reduce carbon emissions by nearly 60 percent compared to similar parts made with EPDM rubber.
Celanese is also introducing two new nylon solutions for manufacturers of electric vehicle powertrain components and electric vehicle battery applications.The Frianyl PA brand W-Series flame-retardant nylon solution can be used for large, thick-walled, flame-retardant parts for electric vehicle batteries.
