Sabic launches 75% PCR carbon fiber compound with UL94 V0 for packaging, consumer electronics housings

SAUDI ARABIA – Sabic has launched its first PCR-based carbon fiber-reinforced compound, LNP Elcrin DC0051RC1, formulated with 75% post-consumer recycled polycarbonate and recycled carbon fiber, achieving UL94 V0 flame retardancy at 0.8mm for packaging and consumer electronics applications.

The compound uses two types of PCR: polycarbonate from wastewater bottles and compact discs, and carbon fiber from discarded items including golf club shafts, wind turbine blades and fishing rods. 

Qualified suppliers collect and process the end-of-life materials for use as raw materials for new products, with the recycled content certified by ISCC+. 

The compound is produced in Shanghai, China, and sold globally, offering a sustainable solution for packaging applications where durability and flame retardancy are required.

Material Performance and Flame Retardancy

The material delivers high modulus, strong dimensional stability, and thin-wall UL94 V0 flame retardancy at 0.8mm, making it suitable for packaging applications that require both structural integrity and fire safety compliance. 

The compound features a non-chlorinated, non-brominated flame retardant system to reduce potential health and environmental impacts compared with conventional halogenated alternatives. 

Sergi Monros, Vice President of Sabic’s Specialties Business, stated that the company supports customers by developing new materials that enhance circularity, with formulation experts achieving high levels of performance, aesthetics and processability while combining recycled content with desirable properties. 

The packaging industry is increasingly seeking materials that meet both sustainability and regulatory requirements, with the compound’s flame retardancy making it suitable for electronic packaging applications where fire safety standards must be met.

Sustainability and Market Positioning

The launch builds on Sabic’s existing portfolio of more sustainable alternatives to virgin plastics, including LNP Elcrin EXL9253RCC (50% PCR), LNP Elcrin SLX2373RCC (30% PCR), and SLX2375RCC (45% PCR) grades. 

Sabic has also obtained ISCC+ certification for several Saudi assets, enabling the company to process pyrolysis oil feedstock locally and expand certified material offerings in the region.

The compound is already commercially available globally and targets applications including packaging for electronic components and consumer products, where material circularity and performance are increasingly demanded by brand owners and regulators. 

For packaging converters and brand owners, the material offers an opportunity to incorporate high levels of recycled content into applications that previously relied on virgin plastics, supporting circular economy objectives while maintaining the necessary mechanical and safety properties for demanding packaging applications.

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