TPV with high-quality recycled content
Teknor Apex has introduced Sarlink® R2 3180B TPV (thermoplastic vulcanizate) with 25 percent recycled content. The multi-purpose TPV contains high-quality post-industrial recycled (PIR) content, but is claimed to process and perform like its virgin counterpart.
Sarlink TPVs are suited to applications that particularly require elasticity and long-term performance, such as extruded seals and hoses or molded gaskets. The TPVs have been replacing thermoset rubber, like EPDM, in sealing applications due to improvements in processing, design and weight reduction. Unlike EPDM rubber, Sarlink TPVs are recyclable, both in-process and at the end of the product's life cycle.
The new Sarlink R2 3180B grade is based on the existing Sarlink 3180B technology, but incorporates 25 percent PIR content. The pre-colored black, high-durometer multi-purpose TPV is essentially the functional equivalent of its virgin counterpart in terms of processing and performance.
Teknor Apex states that Sarlink TPVs in general have faster cycle times or throughput rates than competitive TPV products, and the addition of recycled content has proven to maintain this advantage during processing trials.
The use of PIR content versus post-consumer recycled (PCR) content provides for a cleaner, more consistent raw material stream that can be used for extrusion processes without issue. Teknor Apex treats recycled feedstocks like prime raw materials, and they are subject to the same quality assurance testing and must meet relevant specifications for use.
The use of recycled content helps to promote a circular economy while decreasing reliance on virgin fossil-based resources and energy. This allows brands to meet consumer and regulatory demands for enhanced sustainability of their products and contributes toward a lower carbon footprint by avoiding the impacts of manufacturing virgin petroleum-based materials.
Sarlink R2 3180B is the first TPV with sustainable content to launch, but softer grades and more specialty TPV formulations containing sustainable content are currently under development, to be released later this year.
Automotive, industrial, and building and construction industries are suitable markets for the new Sarlink TPV, which can be over-molded or co-extruded with PP or other thermoplastic elastomers. Applications include the backbone or carrier for seals and profile extrusions, gaskets, pipe hanger brackets, dunnage, grommets and automotive body plugs, which can then all be recycled at end of life.
Sarlink TPVs are manufactured according to the standards of ISO-9001 in the USA, Singapore and Belgium, with strict formulation control and traceability.At Teknor Apex, we recognize our responsibility as part of the value chain, to manufacture our products as sustainably as possible, while continuing to deliver more sustainable material solutions to the market,
said Jonathan Plisco, new business development manager. We understand sustainability is complex and interconnected. There are many paths to sustainability, and our products play an integral role. Every day we are investigating new sustainable raw materials, processes, technologies and partners to continue to deliver sustainable solutions to the market.