Kenrich President Sal Monte was an invited speaker on a SPI Panel Session held Thursday – May 19, 2015 at 10:30 am – 11:45 am entitled, “Plastics Industry Update”, Chaired by Kim Holmes featuring

• Ron Whaley
• Salvatore Monte

Monte spoke on: “New Titanium-Mixed Metal Catalyst for Multi-Polymer Compatibilization and Post Consumer Carpet & Recycle (PCR)” and offered the Conference attendees a market based solution for the recycling and reuse of Post-Consumer Carpet and Recycle (PCR) generated from carpet separation and cleaning technologies by claiming the use of small amounts of KEN-REACT® CAPS® KPR® 12/LV additive would allow:

• Recycle of more PET & PP fiber;
• Compatibilize Nylon, PP, PET, Polyolefins, and PCR;
• REPOLYMERIZE rather than DEPOLYMERIZE carpet polymers;
• Regenerate rather than Degenerate in the melt;
• Couple CaCO3 (up to 40% of a carpet’s weight);
• Decrease the amount of contaminant elimination needed before combining with other polymers.

Monte pointed out that MAH, a popular compatibilizer for PP fiber synthesized by Addition Polymerization using Z-N catalysts, does not work with Condensation Polymers such as PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and Nylon – two very popular fibers used in carpet making.

He also discussed the Sustainability conundrum issue wherein unlike nylon, PET based carpet is not readily commercially recyclable and goes to landfill – even though the carpet fiber may have been made from recycled beverage bottles – thus, breaking the Cycle of Life goal of the CARE Conference. In-situ titanium mixed catalyst repolymerization was offered as a solution recognizing the limitations of the current economics of low-priced oil and subsequent low virgin resin prices, which squeeze recycles processor’s profit margins.

Further details can be obtained from the link: https://carpetrecovery.org/thirteenthannualconference/14th-annual-care-conference/