Saudi Arabian chemical giant Sabic launched its first PCR-based carbon fiber-reinforced compound, containing 75% PCR, for applications including housings for consumer electronics.
The new LNP Elcrin DC0051RC1 compound uses two types of PCR: polycarbonate from wastewater bottles and compact discs, and carbon fiber from such discarded items as golf club shafts, wind turbine blades and fishing rods. Qualified suppliers collect and process the end-of-life materials for use as raw materials for new products, and the raw materials are certified by ISCC+, the company said.
The polycarbonate used in the compound is mechanically recycled, while the carbon fiber is produced via a pyrolysis-based recycling method.
During development and testing, Sabic used material characterization, mechanical testing, processing evaluations and durability testing to arrive at a maximum level of 75% PCR for the compound while still meeting mechanical requirements and containing flame retardants.
The compound is sold globally but is produced in Shanghai, China, the company said. Sabic also has obtained ISCC+ certification for several of its Saudi assets, which has enabled the company to process pyrolysis oil feedstock locally and expand certified material offerings in the region.
In the Netherlands, the Sabic Plastic Energy Advanced Recycling (SPEAR) facility produced its first batch of pyrolysis oil last August. Sabic originally had a 50% ownership stake in SPEAR, a JV with Plastic Energy, but in 2025 acquired an additional 26.24% interest, making the operation a Sabic subsidiary, and SPEAR later was classified as an asset held for sale.
Previously Sabic launched its Noryl resin line containing at least 25% PCR content. Applications include outdoor housings and enclosures, HVAC components and solar junction boxes.
The new offering is the latest addition in the company’s lineup of more sustainable alternatives to virgin plastics. Offerings using PCR include:
- Polycarbonate-based LNP Elcrin EXL9253RCC copolymer resin containing 50% PCR, a UV-stabilized, medium-flow, non-chlorinated, non-brominated flame retardant opaque grade. Applications include housings and enclosures for consumer electronics.
- LNP Elcrin SLX2373RCC and SLX2375RCC made with 30% and 45% PCR content, respectively. These compounds offer weatherability and impact resistance to extend the life of high-gloss molded-in color parts; because they do not require painting, such parts avoid related emissions and facilitate end-of-life recycling/recovery. A shark-fin antenna provides one example of an automotive application.
The company also produces raw materials containing post-industrial recycled (PIR) content, including carbon-fiber reinforced PC grades LNP Thermocomp DC0041PE and LNP Elcrin DC0041RC compounds.
In its most recent sustainability report, Sabic highlighted its partnership with Zuyderland Med Center in the Netherlands to convert collected medical plastic waste into R-PE via chemical recycling, among other partnerships and adoptions of recycled and bio-based polymers.
Although Sabic is publicly traded, it is controlled by the state-owned oil powerhouse Saudi Aramco, which holds a 70% stake.
