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Avient adds a new reSound™ REC thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) formulation for use in certain food-contact applications. This grade incorporates post-consumer recycled (PCR) material that received a no objection letter (NOL) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
reSound™ REC recycled-content grades are a part of Avient’s reSound™ TPE portfolio, which includes both recycled-content and bio-based formulations.
Offers Comparable Performance to Prime TPEs
This new reSound™ REC TPE is a 65 Shore A hardness and contains 25 percent PCR content from recycled polypropylene (PP). The FDA no objection letter confirms that the recycled material included in this formulation can be used for manufacturing certain food-contact articles.
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, as well as certain FDA food-contact items like reusable crates. It is naturally gray, colorable, and suitable for 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.”

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Source: Avient