RECYCLABLE LIGHTWEIGHTS

Using a new method, lightweight products are being created from a 100% recyclable plastic material. The lightweight variants, which can replace some of a vehicle’s plastic parts, are generating many benefits. In addition to the positive environmental aspect, the method entails a reduction in weight, higher sound absorption capacity and better heat insulation for the products.

Blowtech is the first supplier in the Nordic region, and one of only a few in Europe, to offer lightweight blow-moulded plastic parts. “Our customers in the automotive industry recognise the benefits and are showing considerable interest in the new process. At the same time, we are convinced that the advantages that exist within the vehicle sector can also be achieved for other industries. Not to mention the benefits this will entail for the environment thanks to a circular economy, where the recycled material is used in the manufacture of new products,” says Peter Didriksson, CEO of Blowtech. However, it is not only the fact that the material is recyclable that is contributing to a reduced environmental footprint – the amount of material required in the process is also reduced. This leads to lower carbon dioxide emissions.
“We are able to reduce the amount of material without having to compromise on the quality of the products. In fact, it improves the quality. In addition, the manufacturing process is more energy-efficient than before, which also delivers environmental benefits,” says Peter. It is common knowledge that reducing weight is important for the automotive industry. By using the lightweight process when manufacturing a plastic part, the weight of that part can be reduced by 30-40%. “It isn’t possible to manufacture all the plastic components in a vehicle using this new method, but we can make a significant proportion,” says Peter, who also explains that Blowtech has specialised in products with complex forms and cavities for either liquids or air. Technical developments in the automo-
tive industry are proceeding at a rapid pace. The new technology is leading to increasing demands, while at the same time also generating additional business opportunities. Demand for electric cars is increasing globally, and in this respect the lightweight products offer benefits that make a considerable difference in terms of the driving experience. “Using the new method, the components benefit from improved sound absorption capacity, which is particularly interesting for the automotive industry as sales of electric cars increase. When the engine sound disappears, other sounds become more evident, and so it is important for the car’s parts to be made of a sound damping material so that you avoid disruptive noise,” says Peter, who sees considerable opportunities and many areas of application for lightweight products, both now and in the future.