Spanish energy and petrochemicals company Repsol (Madrid; www.repsol.com) and US-based Signode Industrial (Tampa, Florida; www.signode.com) have developed what the companies called the first ready-to-use PP compound for high tenacity strapping that incorporates 30% mechanically recycled post-consumer domestic plastics (PCR).

The compound is said to use Repsol’s Reciclex RXP33AAA material, which is certified under the RecyClass scheme to ensure the traceability of the recycled plastics. The material incorporates 30% of the reclaimed resin to reduce the carbon footprint of the compound by 9%, according to Signode, a supplier of transit and protective packaging. 

Repsol selected specific recycled material flows for the compound and then collaborated with compatriot waste management group Acteco (Valencia; www.acteco.es), in which it holds a 27% stake, to test numerous formulations. Signode is said to have conducted all performance tests to confirm that the material’s final formulation had the required mechanical properties for its products and would operate well in its tools and strapping machines. 

The US company has launched its Dylastic PCR polypropylene strap made from the compound. Straps with the recycled plastic have properties equivalent products made with virgin material, Signode said. The straps are designed to help multiple industrial sectors meet sustainability goals for their logistics operations or industrial packaging, Repsol explained.