Compounder PolyOne (Avon Lake, OH) has unveiled Maxxam LO, a low-odor, talc-filled polypropylene. Designed specifically to help OEMs meet vehicle interior air quality (VIAQ) standards in under-hood automotive HVAC applications, this new material enables reduced VOC emissions and reportedly consistently achieves odor testing results of 3.0 per VDA 270.

The “new car” smell once seen as appealing is no longer popular with many consumers, who associate the odor with harmful emissions, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As consumers increasingly value VIAQ, it becomes more important to OEMs to create a neutral-smelling interior. Maxxam LO is able to reduce noxious odors while still maintaining its performance and aesthetic.

Countries have begun establishing regulations and guidelines regarding acceptable levels of chemical concentration in automobiles, and the automotive industry is also leading the change. As a result, chemical emissions testing and reporting is now a requirement for most major automotive manufacturers. PolyOne developed Maxxam LO to help customers meet these requirements.

These grades can be customized to achieve a wide breadth of physical and mechanical properties to meet the specifications of any OEM. And with PolyOne’s global reach, material consistency is said to be a given. “We’re helping our customers address current trends with a low-odor product that can withstand the rigors of under-hood specifications. This new product underscores our commitment to formulating solutions for tomorrow’s automotive needs,” said Jim Mattey, Global Marketing Director, Performance Products and Solutions, at PolyOne.