Siemens and Envalior Collaborate to Develop Sustainable Electrical Products Using Bio-based Plastics
In a significant move towards sustainability in electrical components, Siemens Smart Infrastructure has partnered with Envalior B.V., a global leader in high-performance engineering materials, to launch the new SIRIUS 3RQ4 coupling relay series. These relays feature housings made from Akulon® K225-KS B-MB—a bio-based, halogen-free, and flame-retardant polyamide 6 plastic developed from used cooking oil (UCO), a waste biomass resource.
Innovative Use of Biomass Waste
Envalior’s unique approach converts UCO, which is unsuitable for food or animal feed, into high-quality engineering plastics through a mass balance concept. This method avoids incineration and adds significant environmental value by repurposing waste materials that traditionally contribute to pollution. The bio-based plastic ensures high heat resistance and excellent chemical resistance—critical properties for electrical engineering applications.
Versatile and Eco-Friendly Coupling Relays
The SIRIUS 3RQ4 series includes three variants tailored for diverse industrial needs:
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Integral Relay Output Variant: Designed for harsh environments and safety-critical areas, featuring ATEX certification for explosive atmospheres. Options include gold-plated contacts for ultra-low current switching and coated circuit boards for railway use.
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Plug-in Couple Relays: Allow quick replacement during operation, enhancing maintenance efficiency, with optional gold-plated contacts.
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Semiconductor Output Variant: Offers silent, frequent switching with virtually unlimited service life and increased switching capacity up to 6A, matching traditional relays while consuming 33% less energy.
Siemens ensures these products meet stringent EcoTech standards, eliminating hazardous substances such as halogens and PFAS, and promoting recyclability through easy dismantling at end-of-life.
Sustainability Embedded from Design to Production
Siemens’ relays feature a slim design optimized for control cabinets and are fully compatible with Siemens controllers. Their production is automated and localized at Siemens’ Amberg plant in Germany, reducing supply chain emissions. Packaging is sustainable, utilizing cardboard boxes and electronic instruction manuals.
Envalior aligns its sustainability mission with ambitions to source 100% renewable energy by 2030 and reduce emissions by 35%, investing heavily in green energy near its production sites.
About Envalior and Siemens
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Envalior is the result of the 2023 merger between Lanxess Performance Materials and DSM Engineering Materials. With over 4,000 employees globally, Envalior specializes in sustainable engineering polymers for markets including mobility, electronics, and consumer goods.
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Siemens Smart Infrastructure addresses urbanization and climate change challenges by integrating energy, building, and industrial systems with an emphasis on digitalization and cybersecurity. The Siemens Group reported revenues of €75.9 billion in fiscal 2024 and employs approximately 312,000 people worldwide.
For more details:
- Envalior: https://www.envalior.com/en-us/products
- Siemens Smart Infrastructure: Siemens Smart Infrastructure
Images and further product information can be found via the official PR release.
Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.
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