Sony Uses Flame-Retardant Recycled Plastic in LCD TV Screen Rims

Copyright Sony Corporation

On February 8, 2011, Sony Corporation announced that it had developed a type of recycled plastic which uses more than 99% recycled material, giving it the highest recycled materials ratio in the world. The plastic also has flame-retardant properties. By utilizing this recycled plastic in the bezel (screen rim) components of three liquid crystal display (LCD) television models, Sony expects to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during the plastic manufacturing process by approximately 80% compared with conventional products.

The plastic, named "SoRPlas (Sony Recycled Plastic)", is mainly a blend of waste optical sheets and waste optical discs generated during the production process by Sony Group manufacturing facilities or others. It has world-leading levels of heat resistance and durability.

The sulfur-based flame retardant developed by Sony provides increased flame-retardancy properties compared with conventional phosphorus-based flame retardants. Consequently, SoRPlas realizes a high level of flame retardancy despite its extremely low flame retardant content of less than 1% (conventionally, the flame retardant ratio is less than 10%). By reducing the additive ratio to such a low level, Sony was able to prevent impairment of the plastic's unique characteristics. This enabled SoRPlas to be used for the television screen bezel components, which require vivid color and luster. Furthermore, SoRPlas achieves durability and heat resistance equaling or surpassing plastic made from non-recycled materials.

In its efforts to realize a sustainable society, Sony has established a long-term environmental plan called "Road to Zero", setting a vision to achieve a zero environmental footprint throughout the life cycle of its products and business activities by 2050.

Joint Company Recycles 5 Million Home Appliances (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/027094.html

Posted: 2012/01/19 06:00:15 AM