Sabic, Microsoft create recycled ocean plastic mouse

Saudi petrochemical producer Sabic has collaborated with global computer software company Microsoft to create a computer mouse with an exterior shell containing 20pc recycled ocean plastic.

Microsoft initially aimed for the use 10pc recycled ocean plastic but Sabic increased this to 20pc with the creation of its new Xenoy resin that comprises 20pc recycled ocean plastic. Sabic estimates that for every 1,000t of products containing this resin, 2.4mn 0.5litre polyethylene terephthalate bottles are removed from oceans, ocean-feeding waterways or ocean-adjacent shores.

Petrochemical producers have been stepping up efforts in plastics circularity. Producers are starting to incorporate greener grades in their raw material offerings. This year, Canadian petrochemical producer Nova Chemicals launched three grades of 100pc post-consumer resins for flexible film applications.

During development of the resin, high exposure to sunlight and water had degraded the ocean plastic and made it harder to recycle, according to Sabic.

With the introduction of the new mouse, Microsoft will also replace single-use plastics in the packaging used for this mouse with paper packaging. Microsoft will not be making the technology used for this innovation proprietary, in order to encourage industry-wide adoption.

The mouse was introduced together with the launch of Microsoft's new lineup of Surface laptops.

By Matthew Rajendra