The Power of Recycling
At AKRON, we believe in the power of recycling to create a sustainable future. By recycling industrial FKM rubber and creating innovative materials, we are reducing waste and preserving our planet for future generations.
Get to Know AKRON Flouroelastomer Recycle®
Unlocking a Greener Future with AKRON and Join Our Polymer Recycling Revolution!
Discover the power of collaboration as AKRON invites you to pave the way to a sustainable world. From pioneering cleaner industries to maximizing recycled material value, our partnership program offers a win-win journey toward a green economy.
With our groundbreaking expertise in Fluoroelastomer (FKM) polymer recycling, competitive pricing, and unwavering commitment, AKRON is your bridge to a more sustainable tomorrow.
We Recycle Advance Rubber FKM
The goal of the FKMR® Recycling Program is to establish partnerships with fluoroelastomer manufacturing factories and stakeholders throughout the supply chain. This program empowers our partners to supply us with polymers that are no longer usable for recycling, purchase AKRON recycled materials, and uphold product quality even when incorporating recycled materials. This way, we bring the concept of 'embracing the world of recycling' to life.
Our recycling technology is uniquely different from the common practice of grinding waste into powder for fillers. We offer 100% recycling and reuse. This ensures the same material reliability and quality comparable entirely virgin materials. The distinction between Akron's recycled materials and virgin resources is virtually imperceptible, reflecting our commitment to both excellence and sustainability.
We collect your materials.
We recycle leftover FKM rubber materials, including waste from injection molding or extrusion, powders, parts, and particles. The purchasing team of the Akron® Program is always ready to assess the potential of recycling your FKM rubber materials at our FKMR® recycling center.
Akron ® has a professional team of scientists dedicated to carefully analyzing raw materials and recycled polymers, ensuring the highest level of quality.
Our 4 types business models
If your company doesn't require recycled products, we assist in managing end-of-life waste, saving you high landfill costs, and fulfilling corporate responsibility.
We offer processing and recycling methods tailored to the types and forms of your company's edge materials. Together, we collaborate to develop exclusive recycled products specifically for your company's use.
Purchasing our manufactured recycled products, we can further provide customization options such as types, sizes, hardness, colors, etc.
End-of-life products can be recycled to create recycled products, achieving maximum recycling and economic benefits through a circular economy. (Specifically applicable to semiconductor wafer manufacturing plants, as follows.)
Industrial post-recycling (Technical Cycles)
Extracting materials from end-of-life products through chemical processes and remanufacturing them into products with the same performance.
The Environmental Protection Agency aims to promote a circular economy, drawing reference from relevant policies in the European Union and the Netherlands. They are planning to formulate a waste recycling strategy synchronized with EU benchmarks. It is anticipated that in the coming years, targets will be achieved through actions focusing on "production," "consumption," "waste management," and "secondary material markets," aiming to improve resource circulation efficiency and reduce unnecessary resource wastage.
Material Recycling Criteria
Note: It is NOT necessary to first identify whether the material to be recycled is bisphenol-cured fluorinated elastomer or peroxide-cured fluorinated elastomer , BUT it must be kept free from mixing with other rubbers.
Pre-Consumer Material: Materials that have undergone industrial processing but have not been transformed into final products (thus usually considered as waste).
Post-Consumer Material: Materials that have undergone industrial processing and are used as final products in their ultimate applications.
Pre-Consumer Partners
-
Rubber Manufacturing Plants: These facilities specialize in the production of rubber materials, including FKM compounds. They often engage in processes such as compounding, mixing, and molding to create various FKM-based products.
-
Seal and Gasket Manufacturers: These factories focus on producing seals, gaskets, O-rings, and other components used in industries like automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery. FKM's chemical resistance and temperature stability make it a preferred choice for these applications.
Post-Consumer Partners
-
Automotive Industry: FKM is used for seals, gaskets, O-rings, and other components in engines, transmissions, and fuel systems due to its resistance to fuels, oils, and high temperatures.
-
Aerospace and Aviation: FKM materials are employed in aircraft engines, hydraulic systems, and aerospace applications where resistance to aviation fuels and extreme temperatures is crucial.
-
Oil and Gas Industry: FKM is used for seals, gaskets, and other components in oil drilling and exploration equipment due to its resistance to harsh chemicals and high temperatures.
-
Chemical Processing: FKM is used in valves, pumps, and seals in chemical processing plants due to its resistance to a wide range of chemicals.
-
Pharmaceutical and Medical: FKM is used for seals and gaskets in pharmaceutical and medical devices due to its bio-compatibility and resistance to sterilization processes.
-
Electronics: FKM is used for seals and gaskets in electronic devices where protection against chemicals, heat, and environmental factors is required.
-
Food and Beverage Industry: FKM is used in applications requiring high-temperature and chemical resistance in food processing and beverage production equipment.
-
Semiconductor Industry: FKM is used in vacuum seals and components in semiconductor manufacturing due to its chemical and heat resistance.
-
Energy Industry: FKM is used in seals, gaskets, and components in power generation equipment due to its resistance to high temperatures and chemicals.
The cost of waste fluoroelastomer...
The global Fluoroelastomer (FKM) market has achieved a significant milestone, the annual output is approximately 35,000 tons in 2021. This market segment is poised for continued growth, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.45% anticipated during the forecast period, extending until 2032. In certain applications, the cost associated with FKM materials can pose challenges, occasionally even equating to precious metals like gold on a weight basis. A notable portion of this cost can be attributed to waste generation within molding processes. Unutilized material from runners, flash, trimmings, and defective parts can account for up to 25% of purchased raw materials. The distinctive cure system of FKM, combined with the robust carbon-fluorine bond, renders conventional methods for devulcanization of cured FKM rubber infeasible. Concerning post-consumer products, a substantial volume of FKM products becomes non-functional after a period of usage. Traditionally, these products are subjected to incineration, rendering them non-recyclable and leaving an indelible environmental footprint. However, AKRON's revolutionary recycling method introduces an innovative solution. Through this sophisticated process, FKMs can be recycled entirely into applicable raw materials without necessitating their reduction to powder form. This transformative approach ensures not only cost-effectiveness but also marks a significant advancement toward environmental sustainability. By mitigating economic concerns and fostering environmental consciousness, this pioneering initiative symbolizes the synergy between technological progress and sustainable practices.
Hazards of Fluorine Materials to the Environment and Health
• Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are a group of compounds widely used in various industrial products, becoming an integral part of our lives. However, this convenience comes with potential risks that we must not ignore. Since April 2003, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) raised concerns about the potential dangers of certain PFCs. It's crucial to pay attention to the impact of these substances on both our environment and health. Application of Perfluorinated Polymers - Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) You might have heard of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a plastic that's everywhere in our daily lives. While it makes cooking easier due to its use in cookware, you might not be aware that the production and use of PTFE could release substances that pose threats to the environment and human health. Potential Hazards of PFOA and PFC Telomers The widely used perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA/C-8) also carries risks. Studies have found that PFOA is not only detectable in human blood but also present in the ecological environment. This persistent substance can potentially endanger our health. Environmental Damage and Responsibility We should also consider how we handle perfluorinated compounds. Burning PFCs as a disposal method in certain cases could release harmful substances and even harm the ozone layer, resulting in long-term environmental consequences. Outlook and Action Taking action is crucial, especially now that we are aware of these issues. By choosing more environmentally friendly products and supporting the formulation of eco-friendly regulations, we can collectively reduce the impact of these hazardous substances on both the environment and our health. Protecting our environment and caring for our well-being is how we pave the way for a brighter future. In our solution, we are committed to addressing these challenges by offering a more eco-friendly and sustainable alternative. Our FKM recycling material technology helps lower environmental risks in the production of fluorinated rubber and reduces harmful gas emissions. This innovative technology extracts fluoride compounds from used materials, minimizing their environmental impact. Through reprocessing used materials, we not only reduce the demand for raw materials but also decrease the release of harmful substances. We believe that this innovation will contribute to improving human health and the environment while driving industries toward a more sustainable future. Our actions today will shape a better tomorrow.