SABIC (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) launched a new portfolio of bio-based Ultem resins that offer sustainability benefits while delivering the same high performance and processability as incumbent Ultem materials. The company claims the polyetherimide (PEI) materials are the first certified renewable, high-performance, amorphous polymers available in the industry — using a mass balance approach, for every 100 kg of Ultem resin produced, SABIC replaces 25.5 kg of fossil-based feedstocks with bio-based materials derived from waste or residue, such as crude tall oil from the wood industry. This advanced offering is a drop-in material option for current Ultem materials, SABIC says, and can support customers’ sustainability goals for challenging applications in consumer electronics, aerospace, automotive and other industries where high temperature, dimensional stability or demanding mechanical performance is required.

SABIC contends that its bio-based Ultem resins can potentially reduce carbon footprint by up to 10% compared to fossil-based incumbent grades, giving the material the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Plus (ISCC+) designation. This conclusion was based on an internal evaluation that followed the general principles of life cycle analysis according to ISO 14040/14044 protocols. SABIC used its own primary data, combined with the latest manufacturing data and industry average estimates, in the cradle-to-gate comparison of these resins. Furthermore, bio-based Ultem resins comply with the requirements of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive.

The bio-based feedstocks used in the Ultem materials do not alter performance properties — which include long-term high-temperature performance, chemical resistance, excellent mechanical and structural properties, dimensional and hydrolytic stability, excellent processability and inherent flame retardance, notes Greg Stoddard, director, technology & innovation, SABIC. With the same reliable mechanical properties as their fossil-based counterparts, bio-based Ultem grades can be considered as an alternative material to traditional Ultem resins or sulfone polymers such as PSU, PESU and PPSU.

Potential markets and example applications for these resins may include consumer electronics (wearables and mobile devices), automotive (under the hood (UTH) applications such as connectors, sensors and valves), aerospace (interiors including panels and trim), healthcare (surgical devices and sterilization trays) and electrical/electronics (5G networking infrastructure). To help fulfill the regulatory requirements of these industries, the Ultem materials offer compliance with global drinking water standards, Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR 25.853) and food contact according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Bio-based Ultem resins are available globally, with regional supply from Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America.