A new TPE developed by Teknor Apex, described by the company as an ‘eco-conscious thermoplastic elastomer’, is made with 35% sustainable content that includes post-consumer recycled material and UBQ, a biobased, recyclable material based on organic and unrecyclable waste.
Called Monprene S3 CP-15170 BLK, the new TPE is initially available in 70 Shore A and is coloured black. With a performance and processability comparable to a standard TPE offset, the durometer and amount of sustainable content can be customized based on end use requirements.
Monprene TPEs combine the performance of thermoset rubber with the processability of a thermoplastic. They are designed specifically for injection moulding or overmoulding onto PP and is suitable for consumer product applications requiring flexibility such as hand and power tools, consumer electronics and appliances.
The use of UBQ and recycled content in the new TPEs reduces the carbon footprint of the products produced from these materials.
UBQ has already been adopted by various industry brands and enterprises, including by early adopter Teknor Apex, for manufacturing durable products with reduced environmental footprints.
“This new product enables sustainable product design and reduces dependency on virgin petroleum-based plastic,” said Jonathan Plisco, New Business Development Manager of Teknor Apex. “In the race to meet market demand for environmentally conscious materials, we are proud to offer new sustainable options that provide the right balance of performance, manufacturability and economics.”
“We all have a role to play in reducing methane emissions,” said Derek Schaefer, VP of Business Development, UBQ North America, and through the new Made with UBQ product line, ‘manufacturers have the ability to contribute to a truly circular economy where human consumption lives in harmony with the planet’.