November 04, 2024 – Avient, a leading global supplier of specialized engineering materials, has recently announced the official launch of its reSound™ REC recycled thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) AF 7210 grade in the Asian market. This innovative product, which has already been successfully introduced in Europe, brings a new eco-friendly solution to automotive interior applications with its 25%-55% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.
The new TPE product serves as a valuable addition to Avient’s existing PCR product line, specifically designed for overmolding polypropylene (PP) and suitable for components such as mats, grips, and console trays in automotive interiors. As recycling and regulatory requirements for end-of-life vehicles become increasingly stringent in Asia, Avient’s move provides crucial support to automotive manufacturers in the region.
According to AsiaMB’s understanding, Asian automotive manufacturers have been experiencing a growing demand for plastics containing PCR components, particularly in automotive interiors. Matt Mitchell, Global Marketing Director of Avient’s Specialized Engineering Materials, pointed out that this trend has fueled the demand for PCR-based TPE solutions that can achieve excellent overmolding results on high-performance polymers like PP. The launch of the reSound™ REC AF 7210 TPE grade is a direct response to this market demand and regulatory changes such as the newly proposed End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive in the European Union, which requires plastic components to contain higher recycled content.
After extensive laboratory and application testing, the reSound™ REC product line has demonstrated superior performance. They not only feature low odor and fogging values but also strictly comply with VOC restriction specifications. Additionally, these products have shown excellent results in both short-term and long-term thermal aging tests, without any visual defects, deformation, or tackiness. Furthermore, Avient offers a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) calculator, providing robust data support for the environmental performance of these products.
Notably, Avient’s new PP overmolding TPE products offer not only durable adhesive-free bonding performance but also come in natural and custom color grades, with a hardness range from Shore 40A to 80A, catering to the diverse needs of customers. The launch of this innovative product is undoubtedly going to inject new vitality into the green development of the Asian automotive manufacturing industry.