US compounder and distributor PolyOne (Avon Lake, Ohio; www.polyone.com) has launched a range of bio-derived thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) for overmoulding. The “reSound” formulations use between 40% and 50% bio-renewable content derived from sugarcane and offer hardness levels and performance comparable to standard TPEs. Commercially available in all regions, the range consists of four overmoulding grades compatible with rigid polypropylene and one for overmoulding ABS.

“OEMs want to incorporate environmentally responsible materials in their designs, especially those who manufacture consumer products, yet they also need to meet functional requirements,” said Jim Mattey, global marketing director, speciality engineered materials at PolyOne. The grades also feature easy colourability and can either use traditional TPE colourants or PolyOne’s sustainable versions.

In October 2019, it was reported that Clariant (Muttenz / Switzerland; www.clariant.com) is negotiating the sale of its masterbatch activities to PolyOne. The transaction, which is not yet certain, is expected to yield USD 1.5 bn (EUR 1.37 bn) – see Plasteurope.com of 08.10.2019.