Avient Corporation announced that it has developed a bio-based thermoplastic elastomer for use in pharmaceutical pipelines.
According to the press release, the initial formulation for Versaflex HC bio-based TPE contains approximately 40% bio-based content from the first generation.
The company stated that 71 Shore A elastomeric material exhibits comparable weldability, flexural strength, and tensile strength to traditional medical-grade tubing materials (including silicone rubber and standard thermoplastic elastomers).
Avient stated that the greenhouse gas emissions level for its bio-TPE is 2.35 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of product, and its cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint is nearly 25% lower than standard levels.