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Sarlink® thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are the premier choice for critical applications that require superior elasticity and long-term performance, like extruded seals and hoses or molded gaskets. Sarlink TPVs have steadily been replacing thermoset rubber, like EPDM, in sealing applications due to improvements in processing, design, and weight reduction. In addition, unlike EPDM rubber, Sarlink TPVs are recyclable, both in-process or at the end of the product’s life cycle. Teknor Apex introduces the latest innovation in the Sarlink portfolio, which can further help brands achieve their sustainability goals, by incorporating recycled content into TPVs.
The new grade, Sarlink® R2 3180B, is based on the existing Sarlink® 3180B technology, but incorporates 25% Post-Industrial Recycled (PIR) content. This is a pre-colored black, high-durometer multi-purpose TPV, that is essentially the functional equivalent of its virgin counterpart in terms of processing and performance. According to company, Sarlink® TPVs in general have faster cycle times or throughput rates versus competitive TPV products on the market, and the addition of recycled content has proven to maintain this advantage during processing trials.
The unique 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. The Sarlink R2 3180B is just 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 & Construction industries are ideal markets for this new Sarlink® TPV – that can be overmolded or co-extruded with PP or other thermoplastic elastomers. Ideal applications include the backbone or carrier for seals and profile extrusions, gaskets, pipe hanger brackets, dunnage, grommets and automotive body plugs, that can all then be recycled at end of life like virgin TPVs. So not only does Sarlink R2 3180B reduce plastic waste by incorporating it into the compound, but products made from this grade are still fully recyclable at the end of the product's life.
Sarlink® TPVs are manufactured according to the standards of ISO-9001 in the USA, Singapore, and Belgium with strict formulation control and traceability.
