MOCOM joins research project “ProEly”: Plastic solutions for large-scale production of green hydrogen

Hamburg, Germany, October 16, 2025. With the kick-off on September 17, 2025, the German government-funded research project “ProEly” has officially started. Its goal is to develop recyclable plastic designs and scalable process technologies for cell frames used in alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production. MOCOM is supporting the initiative as a partner, contributing its long-standing expertise in compounding high-performance thermoplastics.

Hydrogen produced through alkaline water electrolysis is considered a key enabler of the energy transition. To make its industrial-scale production economically viable, efficient manufacturing methods are essential. Until now, cell frames in stationary electrolyzers have primarily been made from steel. However, with regard to weight, functional integration, cycle times and cost efficiency, high-performance plastics are increasingly emerging as a promising alternative.

Two-component approach for efficiency and resource conservation

A central objective of the project is to develop cell frames that use high-performance thermoplastics only where they are indispensable – in media-exposed areas that must withstand the strongly alkaline electrolyte. The remaining parts of the frame, which must endure pressures above 30 bar, are made from more cost-efficient standard plastics.

“Especially for this demanding combination of performance, cost optimization and circularity, tailor-made compounds are a key lever. We are pleased to contribute our expertise in material selection and development to help achieve the project’s objectives,” explains Daniel Hamburger, Business Development Manager E&E/ General Industries at MOCOM.

Focus on sustainability and circular economy

For MOCOM, participating in ProEly represents an important opportunity to apply its expertise in sustainable plastic solutions while supporting the expansion of a climate-friendly hydrogen economy.

The three-year research project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) as part of the 8th Energy Research Program. Besides ElringKlinger, the consortium includes the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW), das Institut für Leichtbau und Kunststofftechnik der TU Dresden (ILK), as well as industry partners MOCOM, AUMO and Symate.

About MOCOM

MOCOM Compounds GmbH & Co. KG, with its headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, is a global compounder of thermoplastic polymers and recycling specialist. The company offers the plastics processing industry a comprehensive product range of high-performance plastics as well as sustainable technical compound solutions.

In addition to specialties (Alcom^®, Tedur^®) and customized products (Altech^®, Altech NXT^® PP, Alfater XL^®), the portfolio includes a variety of near-to-prime recycling products (Alcom^® ECO, Altech^® ECO, Alfater XL^® ECO). Also part of the sustainable portfolio is the lightweight compound Wic, which is made from secondary carbon fiber, and the products Wipaflex and Wipelast. In addition, MOCOM uses innovative recycling technologies to process plastic waste streams, which are reused as valuable materials in the products of the processing industries.

MOCOM serves the following industries, including: Automotive, Electric and Electronics, Home and Garden, and Sports and Leisure.

As part of the Hamburg-based Otto Krahn Group, MOCOM employs around 800 people with production sites in Germany (Hamburg, Gardelegen, Zülpich) as well as the USA (Duncan, South Carolina) and China (Changshu).

MOCOM has been repeatedly awarded Gold and Silver ratings by the independent rating agency EcoVadis. The company is also certified in accordance with the IATF 16949 and ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards.

For more information, visit mocom.eu/en.