Styrenics giant Styrolution has launched three new products in its Zylar range of transparent impact modified methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene copolymers. Characterized by water clear transparency, high flowability, good chemical resistance and customizable toughness, the new grades further expand the existing Zylar portfolio, which ranges from the extremely impact resistant Zylar 960 to the medium-impact grades Zylar 550 and now also Zylar 650. Next to Zylar 650, the portfolio has been extended with two grades with a gradual stiffness-toughness ratio: Zylar 245 boasts high clarity, good scratch resistance and excellent stiffness for applications requiring practical toughness; Zylar 765 combines clarity and high impact resistance for applications that call for greater material strength.

According to Styrolution, the development of Zylar 650, Zylar 245 and Zylar 765 is a further step on the path towards its "Triple Shift" strategy, aimed at strengthening its leading position in styrenics globally. The strategy calls for an expansion of Styrolution's global footprint in emerging markets; focusing on higher growth industries; and expanding its market position in styrenic specialties and ABS Standard.

The entire Zylar range, including the three newest additions, are currently produced in Europe at Styrolution's Schwarzheide facility. To provide global and EMEA customers with even greater supply security, a new NAS and Zylar plant in Ludwigshafen will be taken into operation in the fourth quarter of 2014.

"We are committed to offering our customers not only competitively-priced premium materials but also supply security and availability through our sites in Germany and the United States," said Marcela Villegas, director, of product management transparent specialties EMEA, Styrolution.

With two European production sites for Zylar, says the company, EMEA customers will not only benefit from local supply but also from dedicated service teams that offer expertise in selected focus industries, technical support, regulatory services and certifications.

Villegas continued: "Understanding the material needs of customers in EMEA and globally, over the last two years we have harnessed our strong and proven competencies in Styrolux and NAS to create a portfolio that marries brilliant aesthetics with customizable toughness,"

Zylar materials offer good colorability and are resistant to alcohol, washing and cleaning agents, making them suitable for applications ranging from household products to sports, packaging and healthcare applications. Additionally, a majority of the portfolio is FDA approved for food contact, has received drinking water approval and has passed biocompatible testing - making it a safe solution for a range of applications across industries.

Its high flowability, means that complex molds fill in shorter cycling times, leading to increased energy efficiencies during production. In spiral flow tests, Zylar resins flow the same distance as, for example, polycarbonate at significantly lower temperatures, yielding higher productivity, lower energy consumption and less molded-in stress.

Moreover, the company points out, the lower density compared to alternative materials means that the Zylar portfolio offers additional cost savings as customers can obtain more product for each Euro spent.

"For nearly two decades, Zylar has emerged as the benchmark in transparent specialties," said Mark Beitz, VP of business management styrenic specialties EMEA, Styrolution. "The development of the new Zylar grades, as well as forthcoming innovations in the portfolio, reinforce Styrolution's commitment to transparent specialty materials and further brings to fruition our commitment to supplying customers with the materials necessary to innovate in and lead their respective industries."