Towards a 100% Circular Alternative

For years, one of our customers’ favourites has been the EKI 400 EPDM cellular rubber: reliable, strong, and versatile – but not yet circular. Alongside the growing urgency for a circular alternative, we are also seeing increasing opportunities to actually develop one. By refining both the compound formula and the production process (vulcanisation/foaming), more possibilities are becoming available than ever before.

Collaboration with Sondel Engineering

That is why we have started a new collaboration with Jan Boomsma of Sondel Engineering and the Circular Rubber Platform. Together, we submitted a grant application to the Province of Gelderland for a feasibility study into a sustainable alternative to the EKI 400. And with success: the grant application has now been approved!

Insights Through Life Cycle Analysis

Meanwhile, Lars is hard at work conducting a complete Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of the EKI 400 and other bestselling products. Step by step, we are gaining better insight into CO₂ emissions per kilogram, which is an important development. Although we have already made progress in sustainability, there is still considerable room for improvement within the production chain. In the coming period, we aim to take meaningful steps forward.

Towards a future where rubber is not only resilient, but also circular.

Our thanks to Jan, Enrico, Oost NL, and of course the Province of Gelderland for the valuable collaboration and support so far.