SABIC Launches Recycled Carbon Fiber Compound for Electronics

Updated on July 03, 2026 • 3 min read

SABIC has introduced its first post-consumer recycled (PCR) carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic compound, expanding its sustainable materials portfolio for consumer electronics and other high-performance applications.

The new LNP™ ELCRIN™ DC0051RC1 compound contains 75% post-consumer recycled content and combines circularity with flame retardancy, dimensional stability and mechanical performance required for structural electronic components.

First PCR-Based Carbon Fiber-Reinforced LNP ELCRIN Compound

According to SABIC, the new material is the company’s first PCR-based carbon fiber-reinforced compound developed under its LNP ELCRIN portfolio.

The compound is formulated using polycarbonate (PC) resin and is designed for applications requiring:

• High stiffness and modulus
• Excellent dimensional stability
• Low warpage
• Thin-wall flame retardancy
• Structural strength for large components

Potential applications include laptop housings and other consumer electronics enclosures where lightweight construction and dimensional accuracy are critical.

Combining Circularity with Flame Retardancy

Developing recycled-content materials while maintaining flame-retardant performance presents significant formulation challenges.

SABIC said the new compound achieves a UL94 V0 flame-retardant rating at a thickness of 0.8 mm, enabling manufacturers to design thinner, lighter components without compromising fire safety requirements.

In addition to incorporating 75% PCR content, the material uses a non-chlorinated, non-brominated flame-retardant chemistry, supporting efforts to reduce environmental impact and potential health concerns associated with halogen-based flame retardants.

Supporting Sustainable Consumer Electronics

According to Sergi Monros, Vice President of SABIC’s Specialties Business Unit, the company continues to expand its portfolio of recycled, upcycled and bio-based specialty thermoplastics while maintaining the performance, aesthetics and processability required by manufacturers.

The new compound is intended to help electronics manufacturers advance circular economy objectives without sacrificing mechanical performance or product quality.

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Industry Perspective

Consumer electronics manufacturers are increasingly seeking engineering plastics that combine recycled content with demanding mechanical and safety performance. However, incorporating high levels of recycled material into flame-retardant structural components remains technically challenging due to the need to balance mechanical properties, processability and regulatory compliance.

Carbon fiber-reinforced recycled thermoplastics represent an emerging materials category capable of supporting both sustainability goals and lightweight product design.

Outlook

As global sustainability regulations and circular economy initiatives continue to influence material selection, demand is expected to increase for high-performance engineering compounds containing certified recycled content. SABIC’s launch of its first PCR-based carbon fiber-reinforced LNP ELCRIN compound expands the range of sustainable specialty thermoplastics available for consumer electronics and other structural applications.