MOCOM: Sustainable materials for new Vorwerk vacuum cleaner

Hamburg, December 8, 2022. MOCOM supplies Vorwerk, Europe's largest direct sales company and manufacturer of high-quality household appliances, with a WIC PP compound consisting of 30% recycled carbon fiber content. The material is used in the new Kobold VK7 Cleaning System, in the upper and lower parts of the handle, in the related rotating element, and in the base panel of the electric brush. By using the sustainable material, it was possible to meet the requirements for high-quality design and usability while reducing the carbon footprint.

The recycled carbon fibers of the WIC PP 30 means the new rechargeable vacuum cleaner is 2.3 kg lighter than its previous model, and has a reduced carbon footprint of up to 80% compared to prime polymers. At the same time, the high stiffness of the material supports the design of the 180° rotating handle, which allows the device to be used for all cleaning operations, both above the floor and in small spaces. WIC PP 30 also has a lower melting point compared to PA compounds and does not necessarily need to be pre-dried. This additionally saves energy during processing, as the product can be processed at lower temperatures.

Lars Langen, Account Manager at MOCOM, "We have been working with Vorwerk on the parts for the Kobold VK7 since the K trade fair in 2019. The WIPAG product was particularly convincing due to its combination of high strength, weight and energy savings, and recycled material. After many samples and color adjustments, we are now very pleased that the rechargeable vacuum cleaner with our sustainable compound has been launched on the market."

Alexander Frank, Senior Expert Materials at Vorwerk, adds, "At Vorwerk, we are consistently working to replace conventional components with equally high-quality sustainable alternatives and to continuously further increase the recycled content in our products. With the material from MOCOM and WIPAG, we were able to introduce the new Kobold VK7 as a pioneer product in terms of visible sustainability in our portfolio."

About MOCOM

MOCOM is one of the world's leading compounders of thermoplastic polymers and offers the plastics processing industry a comprehensive range of high-performance plastics and technical compound solutions. In addition to the specialties (Alcom®, Tedur® PPS) and customized products (Altech®, Altech NXT PP®, Alfater XL® TPV), our portfolio contains a variety of high-quality Near-To-Prime® recycling products (Altech® ECO, Alfater XL® ECO). As a former division of ALBIS PLASTIC GmbH and part of the Otto Krahn Group, MOCOM builds on 50 years of experience. More than 700 employees develop and manufacture high-performance, competitive material solutions in close cooperation with customers combining a deep technical understanding and process know how with many years of experience and enthusiasm for their products. At three German locations as well as in Duncan, South Carolina (USA) and Changshu (China), MOCOM produces a consistently high level of quality worldwide and according to global specifications. All sites are certified to IATF 16949.

For more information visit www.mocom.eu/en.