The drive to create a truly circular economy motivates us to continue developing new specialty chemicals that will increase the volume of recyclable materials in manufacturing. To that end, we produce specialty waxes, including an oxidized (polyethylene) wax that both supports recycling and performs better.
In our fast-paced, convenience-centered world, plastic and paper-based packaging are indispensable. Both can and should be recycled responsibly. But to improve the recycling loop, manufacturers need access to better chemicals. Oxidized wax is one of those chemicals.
Oxidized Wax: The Basics
Oxidized wax is a polyethylene wax chemically modified to create oxygen-containing groups along each chain. These groups increase polarity and polymer compatibility. The result is improved adhesion, dispersion, and lubrication.
What was once a low-value wax often created from polyethylene waste becomes a high-value alternative. Oxidized wax is ideal as an additive in films, coding, ink, and a variety of composites. More importantly, it helps manufacturers produce higher-quality recyclables.
Better Recyclable Packaging
Oxidized wax improves moisture and gas barrier properties in both films and coated packaging. Product shelf life increases while waste decreases. Imagine the implications for both food and non-food products.
In addition, oxidized waxes can be formulated in water-based systems using bio-based ingredients. Manufacturers enjoy a reduced dependence on solvent-heavy or fossil-intense coatings. Their finished packaging is ultimately easier to recycle or compost when combined with the right substrates.
Recyclability and Material Compatibility
One of the keys to oxidized wax is found in the material’s polar and non-polar segments. Its dual nature makes oxidized wax ideal for making otherwise incompatible plastics more compatible. It can also act as a bridge between biopolymers and conventional polyolefins.
It all adds up to better compatibility, which produces stronger, more uniform recyclable blends. Manufacturers can make products with a higher recycled material content without sacrificing performance or post-life processing.
It is also important to understand that oxidized wax can be produced through upcycling. In other words, waste plastics can be transformed into wax feedstock through thermal or oxidative processing.
Being able to turn an end-of-life stream into valuable raw material is what the circular economy is all about. Turning plastic waste into wax feedstock not only diverts plastic from landfills and incinerators, but it also supplies the raw materials for new coatings, inks, and biodegradable polymers.
How It All Fits Into the Circular Economy
As a producer of oxidized wax, we can see the benefits of utilizing it to improve recyclable materials. Each application has its own unique characteristics. The bigger question is how it all fits into the circular economy. Consider:
- Regeneration Loop – Transforming waste polyethylene into oxidized wax creates a feedstock, allowing the waste to be reused as a functional additive.
- Prolonged Use – Oxidized wax prolongs material use by offering better protection and mechanical performance. Product and packaging lifetimes are extended, reducing waste frequency and volume.
- High-Quality Recyclability – Because oxidized wax can improve material compatibility, a higher volume of recycled content can be built into products. Those products are processed more efficiently and maintain better material quality over multiple life cycles.
We are especially thrilled with the fact that oxidized wax can be produced from waste polyethylene. Such transformations are the heart and soul of the circular economy. By turning waste into functional materials, we are keeping it out of landfills and incinerators.
Trecora produces oxidized wax along with a variety of other specialty waxes. For more information about how we can produce the materials you need for your processes, contact our team. There is a good chance we can produce the specialty chemicals you need.
