THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERS | MATERIALS
TPEs go round and round
Producers of thermoplastic elastomers have been active in developing grades that align with circularity targets by incorporating recycled content. By Peter Mapleston
Developers of thermoplastic elastomers are going the extra mile (or kilometre) to create products with lower carbon footprints. To achieve their goals, they are making increased use of post-consumer recyclate (PCR) and of renewable feedstocks, and still managing to produce TPEs with properties just as good as more traditional virgin grades made from fossil sources. Suppliers say they are responding to strong demand across markets, while reinforcing their own commitments to sustainability. For example, Matt Mitchell, Director, Global Marketing, Specialty Engineered Materials at Avient, says: “The expan- sion of our recycled-content TPE portfolio is rooted in our ongoing commitment to developing sustain- able solutions with specialised performance require- ments that enable our customers’ innovation and sustainability goals.” Thomas Köppl, group product manager, Hexpol TPE, takes a similar line: “With the
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recent developments of Dryflex Circular TPE and our biobased TPEs, we are supporting automotive suppliers and OEMs to fulfil their targets to increase the use of recycled and renewable materials.” In late March, Avient announced a new ReSound TPE formulation for use in certain food-contact applications. This grade incorporates PCR material that received a no objection letter (NOL) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Avient’s ReSound TPE portfolio already includes formulations with recycled content and grades that are bio- based. The new ReSound REC TPE, with a 65 Shore A hardness, contains 25% PCR polypropylene. Available only in North America at present, the new injection moulding grade is said to offer comparable performance to prime TPEs and can provide a more sustainable option in applications such as toothbrush grips (where it can be over- moulded onto PP) and other personal care items,
Main image: Circularity is the goal for producers of thermoplastic elastomers
May 2022 | INJECTION WORLD 15
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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