UK/IRELAND: Freefoam Plastics, a pioneer in cellular foam PVC-UE products and technology, had concluded a series of successful trials with an advanced stabiliser. The company confirmed that the switch is progressing smoothly throughout its operations in the UK and Ireland.
The stabiliser is based on new octyl tin technology. This food-grade approved material used for the production of rigid materials.
Freefoam's stabiliser is REACH (Registration, Evaluation, and Authorisation of Chemicals) compliant and, said Freefoam chairman Tony Walsh, provides a range of advantages over calcium organic stabilisers.
"A battle has been raging among roofline producers for the quality and sustainability of cellular foam PVC-UE roofline products. It's important because the solution matters.
"The industry doesn't need a repeat of its past problems, so check the facts on roofline stabilisers before you buy,"he urged.
The industry is committed to phasing out lead stabilisers by 2015. "For rigid PVC-U profiles and white skins, calcium organic is a suitable replacement, but for cellular PVC-UE foam calcium organic stabilisation is an immature technology," said Mr Walsh.
"Its weaknesses are well recognised. It has a narrow processing window, and is very temperature sensitive. This causes a build-up of hydrochloric acid and an unattractive yellowing of the foam core which the producer often masks with a concealing pigment.
"High waste levels of up to 25% are common, compared to single-digit waste with tin stabilisers. Recycling 25% continually must mean that part of the product being put on the market has seen the extruder many times."
