Automotive Windshields to Post-Consumer Recycled Content TPEs

The Challenge

It is estimated that 75 million broken windshields need replacing each year. This abundant supply includes thousands of tons of PVB, found in the inner layer of the glass, potentially bound for landfills. Instead, the outer glass is recycled and the PVB is reclaimed and reprocessed for various uses, including an alternative raw material source for polymers. Avient’s unique formulation expertise allows the supply of reprocessed, high-quality, non-toxic PVB to be upcycled into more sustainable TPEs with excellent properties.

The Solution

Developed in 45 to 55 Shore A durometers, Avient’s new reSound R grades are ideal for general purpose applications in the consumer and automotive industries. These injection moldable TPEs can be overmolded to polypropylene (PP) and come in a natural grade that can be easily colored. The materials are a result of close collaboration with Shark Solutions, a global leader in advanced sustainable polyvinyl butyral (PVB) products. These new TPEs contain 25 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) content from PVB reclaimed from broken automotive windshields and laminated architectural glass.

The Impact

These reSound R grades with PCR content offer similar performance properties to traditional TPEs and are suitable for many durable consumer products and grips—such as personal care items, lawn and garden tools, golf clubs, and footwear. Their performance properties also fit automotive applications that could benefit from vibration damping, such as door mats, door damping and glove boxes. This technology brings together advanced material science and innovation to support customers’ goals and the circular economy. These material developments create an opportunity to help divert mountains of valuable resources from the waste stream and upcycle them into new products.