Sustainable Engineering Plastics: Introducing The Sterra™ Range
At Oadby Plastics, we are committed to helping our customers find high-performance material solutions that support both operational requirements and sustainability goals. As part of this commitment, we are pleased to announce the expansion of our sustainable engineering plastics portfolio with the addition of the innovative Sterra™ range from our partner, Mitsubishi Chemical Group.
The introduction of Sterra™ materials provides our customers with access to a wider selection of sustainable engineering plastics, helping businesses reduce their environmental impact while maintaining performance, quality or reliability.
What is the Sterra™ range?
Developed by Mitsubishi Chemical Group, the Sterra™ range has been designed to support a more circular approach to manufacturing. These advanced engineering plastics incorporate recycled content, bio-based raw materials or manufacturing processes that help reduce carbon emissions when compared to conventional material grades.
Importantly, Sterra™ materials are designed to deliver reliable, mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance properties, similar to the virgin grades, that engineers and manufacturers expect from Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s industry-leading product brands.
This means our customers can continue to specify trusted engineering plastics while taking positive steps towards meeting their sustainability objectives.
Supporting sustainable manufacturing
As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration across industries, manufacturers are seeking materials that help them reduce their environmental footprint without affecting product performance.
Sustainable engineering plastics are playing a key role in this transition, offering businesses the opportunity to incorporate more environmentally responsible materials into components, machinery and equipment.
By introducing the Sterra™ range to our sustainable products, Oadby Plastics is helping customers access innovative materials that support:
As environmental legislation, customer expectations and ESG commitments continue to evolve, material selection is becoming a more important factor in sustainable product design and manufacturing.
Materials now available from Oadby Plastics
The Sterra™ range includes a growing selection of high-performance engineering plastics suitable for demanding industrial applications.
Examples within the range include:
These materials are designed to deliver the same trusted performance characteristics that engineers rely on for applications involving wear resistance, dimensional stability, chemical resistance and demanding operating environments.
Whether used within packaging machinery, automation systems, manufacturing facilities or engineering applications, Sterra™ materials provide a more sustainable alternative without sacrificing performance.
Matching Sterra™ materials to the application
Different Sterra™ grades are suited to different operating conditions, so the right choice will depend on the demands of the application.
Sterra™ PEEK grades are typically selected for high-performance components such as seals, bearings, bushes and other parts exposed to demanding temperatures, loads or chemical environments. PET-P grades can be a strong option where dimensional stability, wear resistance and reliable machinability are important, while POM-C grades are often chosen for precision-machined components requiring good machinability, low moisture absorption and consistent mechanical performance.
For applications involving sliding, lining or conveying, TIVAR™ Sterra™ UHMW-PE grades may be suitable for components such as liners, guides, rails, wear strips and other parts where low friction and wear resistance are key considerations.
The final material choice should always be checked against the application conditions, technical datasheet and any regulatory or compliance requirements.
What to check before switching materials
While Sterra™ materials are designed to offer reliable performance comparable with conventional engineering plastic grades, material selection should always be reviewed against the specific demands of the application.
Before switching to a recycled-content or lower carbon footprint alternative, it is important to consider factors such as operating temperature, load, wear conditions, chemical exposure and any regulatory requirements, including food-contact suitability where applicable. Colour, available stock shape, component geometry and machining tolerances should also be checked to ensure the selected grade is suitable for the finished part.
Why choose Oadby Plastics?
As one of the UK’s leading independent plastics suppliers, Oadby Plastics continues to invest in innovative materials that help customers stay ahead of changing industry requirements.
With over 50 years of experience, extensive stockholding, nationwide distribution and technical expertise, we work closely with customers to identify the most suitable material for their application.
The addition of Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s Sterra™ range strengthens our ability to support businesses looking to improve sustainability across their operations while maintaining the performance standards their applications demand.
Our expert team can provide guidance on material selection, availability, machining requirements and potential alternatives to help you identify the most effective solution for your project.
To learn more about the Sterra™ range or discuss your engineering plastics requirements, contact our team today and discover how sustainable engineering plastics can support your next project.
