Polypropylene: versatile, beautiful and functional

Polypropylene (PP) is an increasingly popular choice for consumer goods, storage containers, garden furniture, homeware, caps and closures and many more applications. It can be used to produce thin, strong packaging and containers which are suitable for microwaving and hot filling. It also offers superb design flexibility, enabling the creation of complex, eye-catching shapes and integrated handles, for example.

Leading the way in sustainability

PP, together with PE, consumes the least amount of energy during production and produces the lowest carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions when compared to other plastics. Its lower density also means that switching to PP reduces the absolute amount of waste. Parts made from PP can be recycled multiple times in a wide variety of applications before incineration is necessary. When that time comes, it is possible to recover more energy from PP during incineration than from any other comparable plastic. It also flows more easily as it degrades, without cross linking, gel forming or off-gassing.

Quick facts on the sustainability of polypropylene

  • Polypropylene produces less solid waste by weight than PET, PS or PVC.
  • Polypropylene can be recycled into many applications, including battery cases, paint cans, home storage, flower pots, pallets, crates, composite lumber, and more.
  • 44 out of 51 the largest US municipalities by state collect polypropylene.
  • Polypropylene and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) produce significantly less CO2  equivalents by weight than PET, PS, and PVC.

Recyclable polypropylene

Polypropylene parts can be 100% recycled into many applications. There is an existing market for recycled PP (rPP) in a very wide range of products such as automotive applications, buckets, caps and closures, garden furniture, pallets, pipes, and more.

Discover why NX UltraClear PP is a clear choice for the environment

The Hyperform HPN family of nucleating agents resolves problems like shrinkage, warpage, and stiffness/impact balance in PP. Read more.

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