RecyClass grants first Technology Approval to Dow’s ELVALOY™ AC 1330, confirming ABS recyclability and advancing circularity in Automotive and EEE sectors.
RecyClass has taken a significant step forward in advancing science-based recyclability for Automotive and Electrical & Electronic Equipment (EEE) plastics by awarding its first-ever Technology Approval to Dow’s ELVALOY™ AC 1330 additive. This recognition underscores the additive’s complete compatibility with the ABS recycling stream and represents the first single-component technology to align with RecyClass recyclability guidelines. These recommendations reflect the current European recycling infrastructure, marking a milestone in promoting circularity across key industrial sectors.
Paolo Glerean, Chairman of RecyClass, emphasized that true plastics circularity must extend beyond packaging to include all industries. He explained, “Before developing sector-specific Design for Recycling Guidelines, it is crucial to analyze the unique challenges of each sector. Only through data-driven insights and close collaboration across the entire value chain can we create transparent, reliable recyclability recommendations and expand the availability of circular materials across industries.”
The approval was granted by the RecyClass Automotive & EEE Technical Committee after comprehensive testing conducted in line with the newly developed RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for ABS Plastic Components. The evaluation took place at AIMPLAS, one of the officially recognized RecyClass testing facilities specializing in Automotive and EEE materials.
Dow’s ELVALOY™ AC 1330 is a copolymer composed of ethylene and methyl acrylate, containing 30% methyl acrylate by weight. In this evaluation, the additive was combined at 10 wt% with natural ABS resin. It is engineered to enhance the impact strength of ABS compounds, which play an essential role in diverse applications. These include vehicle interior and exterior trim parts, as well as control panels, casings, and enclosures used in appliances such as washing machines, coffee makers, and other household devices.
The approval comes at a critical time as European regulations are tightening their focus on product recyclability. The proposed End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Regulation sets a target of achieving 85% recyclability or reusability by mass, while revisions to the Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive aim to further strengthen circularity in the EEE sector. In this context, transparent, standardized recyclability testing and approvals like RecyClass’s initiative are vital for turning circular economy goals into practical reality.
RecyClass continues to position itself as a leading organization driving the scientific and collaborative transformation of the plastics industry. Through standardized, evidence-based protocols, it ensures that advances in product innovation and performance remain fully aligned with recyclability objectives. The organization invites manufacturers and developers to test their Automotive and EEE components, reinforcing industry-wide efforts toward sustainable, circular material systems.
