Avient Adds FDA-Reviewed TPE with PCR Content to reSound Portfolio

Materials supplier Avient has introduced a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) containing post-consumer recycled (PCR) content that can be used in some food-contact applications. Part of the company’s reSound portfolio, the grade received a no objection letter (NOL) from FDA.

The new reSound REC TPE is a 65 Shore A hardness and contains 25% PCR content from recycled polypropylene (PP). FDA’s NOL confirms that the recycled material included in this formulation can be used for manufacturing certain food-contact articles, said Avient.

Available in North America, this PCR content formulation offers comparable performance to prime TPEs and can provide a more sustainable option in applications such as toothbrush grips and other personal-care items, according to Avient. It is also suitable for use with certain FDA food-contact items such as reusable crates. The TPE is naturally gray, colorable, and compatible with injection molding or overmolding onto PP.

“This FDA evaluation should boost OEM and consumer confidence in incorporating recycled materials into products that face stringent regulatory controls,” said Matt Mitchell, Director, Global Marketing, Specialty Engineered Materials at Avient. “The expansion of our recycled-content TPE portfolio is rooted in our ongoing commitment to developing sustainable solutions with specialized performance requirements that enable our customers’ innovation and sustainability goals.”