Avient Launches New TPE Materials for Fatty-Food-Contact Applications

TAGS:  Rubber Replacement    Appliances   

Avient launched a new family of Versaflex^TM thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) materials developed for fatty-food-contact (FFC) applications that must comply with migration limit standards in Europe and North America.

Versaflex^TM TPE Properties

Versaflex^TM FFC materials can be directly overmolded onto various engineered materials and as an alternative to silicone rubber, offer more design freedom and increased production efficiency by eliminating secondary processing.

Versaflex^TM FFC can be overmolded onto COPE, PC, or PC/ABS, making it suitable for a wide range of food contact applications such as food containers, kitchenware, kitchen appliances, tableware, etc. It is also formulated without bisphenol-A (BPA) or phthalates and is highly colorable to meet specific marketplace requirements.

The new materials have been pre-tested for compliance with the United States FDA requirements under 21 CFR 177.2600 for repeated-use applications and the European standard 10/2011 for food contact.

Replacement to Silicon Rubber

Compared to silicone rubber, the only other material used in these applications, Versaflex^TM FFC is easier to process so it can simplify manufacturing and shorten cycle times, potentially reducing overall cost. Additionally, Versaflex^TM FFC helps address the challenges associated with the global silicone rubber supply chain and can help design engineers get new products to market more quickly.

“Avient product development efforts are focused on helping customers comply with the regulations in food contact applications,” said Matt Mitchell, director, global marketing, Specialty Engineered Materials at Avient.

"However, compliance does not depend solely on the right polymer formulation, but also on the design of the finished article. For instance, wall thickness can affect migration test results, with thicker sections presenting a higher potential for failure. Avient’s expertise lies not only in formulation development but also in helping customers optimize their product design and increase the likelihood that the end product will be compliant. This, in turn, can increase speed to market,” added Mitchell.

Versaflex^TM FFC materials are currently manufactured in Asia and are available globally.

Source: Avient