Cellular materials technology leader Zotefoams will underline its sustainability credentials at K 2022 with the launch of Ecozote, a range of closed-cell, crosslinked foams specifically designed for product sustainability.

Throughout its history, Zotefoams has developed lightweight materials that save energy through insulation and improve fuel efficiency by reducing weight. The company produces the lightest closed-cell, crosslinked block foam in the world at just 15 kg/m³, and its business is predominantly based on long-term applications. That is underpinned by the durability of its materials, which derives from Zotefoams’ unique autoclave manufacturing process.

With sustainability center stage at K, Zotefoams will introduce the first selection of materials in its Ecozote Sustainability⁺ foams range, which responds to the need for plastic products that improve circularity or reduce reliance on fossil fuel–derived raw materials.

Ecozote LDR18 and LDR27 are closed-cell, crosslinked low-density polyethylene (LDPE) grades incorporating 30% post-industrial waste. Following several months of trials with select customers, LDR18 and LDR27 are now available as alternatives to Zotefoams’ LD18 and LD27 Plastazote polyethylene foam produced from virgin polymer.

Karl Hewson, Director of Technology and Development at Zotefoams, comments: “Zotefoams has long been recognized as a supplier of sustainable materials thanks to the superior performance-to-weight ratio of many of our foams compared to those produced by other methods, as well as their longevity and purity. Recognition of the importance of carbon reduction is now universal and so we have engaged with customers to understand how best we can support them in this mission. The challenge for Zotefoams is the sheer diversity of the markets we serve. In product protection, and notably single-use packaging applications, the hierarchy of waste — reduce, reuse, recycle — is the key driver for sustainability, while in commercial aviation, reducing fuel consumption through lightweighting is imperative to meet 2050 targets for carbon reduction,” said Hewson.

“Ecozote has been conceived to help customers address these diverse interpretations,” he continued. “LDR18 and LDR27 with 30% recycled content are part of the first Ecozote product line driving plastics circularity, with more to follow.”

Alongside Ecozote, Zotefoams will present its comprehensive range of technical block foams, spanning its Azote polyolefin foams range, which includes Plastazote, introduced in 1962, and Zotek high-performance foams produced from engineering polymers and designed for the most demanding applications. T-FIT modular foam insulation is manufactured by Zotefoams from Zotek materials and offers superior performance and longevity in applications in the pharmaceutical, semiconductor, food, and beverage industries.

Zotefoams will showcase these developments at K 2022 in Düsseldorf, Germany, on Oct. 19 to 26, 2022. The company will exhibit in booth A24 in hall 5.