NG Nordic and ABB to Develop CO₂-Based Plastics for Electrical Accessories

According to an announcement reported by NG Nordic, the Finnish sustainability innovator is partnering with ABB Oy, Wiring Accessories, Porvoo, to pioneer the use of carbon dioxide-based plastics in electrical accessories. The initiative marks what is described as a world-first effort to commercialize light switches, sockets, and similar products made with CO₂-derived materials.

The collaboration builds on a partnership that began in 2020, when ABB integrated NG Nordic’s Circo recycled plastic, sourced from consumer packaging, into its electrical accessories. The latest agreement extends that cooperation to INGA plastic, a material developed through NG Nordic’s Carbon2x programme, which converts captured carbon dioxide emissions into high-quality polymers.

The companies plan to roll out the first CO₂-based electrical products within the next few years. A pilot facility for INGA production is set to begin operations early next year, followed by a larger-scale demonstration plant capable of recovering up to 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually from waste incineration flue gases before the end of the decade.

According to NG Nordic, the initiative is backed by the company’s Carbon2x programme, which captures CO₂ emissions from non-recyclable waste incineration and converts them into new materials. At the centre of this effort is INGA plastic, reportedly a high-quality and versatile thermoplastic suitable for applications ranging from electrical accessories to food packaging and toys. It is also said to be compatible with widely used industrial processes such as extrusion, injection moulding, and dispersion coating, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with existing manufacturing technologies.

Commenting on the partnership, Mikaela Ahlnäs-Mäkeläinen, Business Unit Manager at ABB, said: “The INGA partnership complements our sustainable product portfolio.” Meanwhile, Tony Rehn, Carbon2x Programme Director at NG Nordic, described the collaboration as “an important milestone for INGA plastics in the development of the product family and bringing it to market before the turn of the decade.”

Industry analysts note that global demand for plastics is projected to triple by 2050, intensifying pressure to reduce reliance on fossil-based raw materials. At the same time, EU policymakers are tightening circular economy requirements, including higher recycling targets and stronger incentives for carbon capture utilisation (CCU). Within this context, the NG Nordic–ABB initiative illustrates how collaboration between industry players can accelerate the shift toward sustainable materials. If successful, the introduction of CO₂-based plastics could reduce dependence on virgin fossil resources while mitigating emissions from waste incineration—a dual benefit for climate goals and resource resilience.

In summary, the partnership underscores the growing importance of innovation in the plastics sector. By advancing the commercialization of CO₂-derived products, NG Nordic and ABB are positioning themselves as early movers in developing scalable low-carbon alternatives for global markets.

Source: NG Nordic