New independent study validates Reactive Recycling in injection molding

A new independent study has validated Nexam Chemical’s Reactive Recycling technology for injection moulding. In addition to current applications in extrusion and film blowing, the study confirms that the additive R201 stabilises mechanical properties in commercially relevant blends of recycled and virgin polypropylene (PP)

Nexam Chemical already has a presence in the injection moulding segment, primarily through its Masterbatch business, and this new validation represents an academic confirmation of the company’s circular core technology in a global high-volume segment.

Polypropylene is one of the most widely used polymers worldwide, accounting for one-fifth of global plastic production. Injection moulding is among the most common manufacturing methods for consumer products, automotive components, and technical parts. A central challenge for the industry is increasing the share of recycled polypropylene without compromising mechanical performance or processing parameters.

The study was conducted by an independent research institute without Nexam’s involvement and found that the addition of 1% R201 in a blend of recycled PP (rPP) and virgin material:

• Maintains mechanical properties at a stable level, with enhancements in flexural strength and stiffness.
• Provides a controlled reduction of Melt Flow Rate (MFR) to commercially optimal levels for injection moulding.
• Protects the materials against degradation during repeated processing, an essential factor for a functioning circular economy.

In a practical application test, a chair was manufactured using a 50/50 blend of rPP and virgin material, with the addition of Nexam’s additive Nexamite R201. Production was conducted using the same process parameters as for 100% virgin polypropylene, proving that the technology is ready for immediate implementation in existing industrial production.

Christer Svanberg, CTO at Nexam Chemical, said, "The study is very exciting as it confirms our technology in a realistic commercial environment. By testing a 50/50 blend, we demonstrate that our additives work exactly where the industry is today. It is not about creating extreme laboratory results, but about enabling stable and high-quality production even when increasing the proportion of recycled material."

For Nexam Chemical, this is central to the business and growth, as the technology addresses a growing market trend and facilitates ‘upcycling’ rather than downgrading materials. The solution can integrate into existing industrial processes without needing new equipment and is globally scalable. Increasing regulatory requirements, customer demands, and brand-driven sustainability goals are driving demand for solutions that achieve higher recycling rates without compromising quality or production stability.

By addressing polypropylene and injection moulding, the study reinforces  the image of Reactive Recycling as a commercially relevant, industrially mature, and scientifically validated platform for long-term value-creating growth.