Fortum, a leading Scandinavian energy and circular economy company, is bringing to the market a unique plastic compound made out of recycled plastic and natural cellulose fibre. The new compound is Fortum's answer to the need for raw materials that have the qualities on par with virgin plastic but are more sustainable.
Fortum Circo PP CF can be used as traditional PP and it is suitable for injection moulding. The compound is also available for 3D printing applications. Fortum Circo PP CF has improved mechanical properties compared to unfilled plastic raw material and it is also fully recyclable.
"The new compound has a very good running length, proven by the spiral flow test, and greatly reduced cycle time," says Mikko Koivuniemi, head of Fortum's plastics product line.
The first product made out of Fortum Circo PP CF is a real classic: a school chair that has been in production for decades and used in schools throughout Finland and abroad.
The Prima chair is a product of Isku, a Finnish family-owned company established in 1928. Isku's products and services are renowned for their high quality and sustainability. This year the classic Prima chair design will be combined with a more sustainable raw material.
“Sustainability is at the core of our strategy. Our target is to produce and market high-quality furniture while reducing the environmental impact of production and materials. Circo PP CF type raw material fits well in our strategy”, says Kari Soljamo, Development Manager at Isku.
Fortum wants to make it as easy as possible for its customers to start using recycled plastic in their processes. Fortum's co-creation program ‘Fortum Circo® Lab’ helps manufacturers and brand owners to adjust their processes and machines to maximise their use of recycled raw materials.
"Fortum Circo PP CF is a compound born out of deep customer understanding and close cooperation," Koivuniemi concludes.