CONCENTRATES SPECIFICALLY FOR TPEs PROVIDE VIVID ‘SOFT-TOUCH’ COLORS PLUS SAVINGS ON COST PER UNIT OF FINISHED PRODUCT

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New Concentrates Are Optimized for Use in TPEs, Coloring Them More Efficiently than Standard Concentrates Formulated for General Polyolefin and Styrenic Applications

CHICAGO, June 23, 2003: New concentrates formulated for use with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) provide the intense coloration required for consumer appeal in many "soft-touch" applications while enabling manufacturers to economize on concentrate consumption, it was announced today at NPE 2003 by Teknor Color Company (Booth 9755).

TEKlite™ TPE Color Concentrates are the first concentrates offered by Teknor Color Company specifically for their ease of incorporation in TPEs, according to market manager James P. Cafferty, who cited their specially formulated polyethylene carrier resin, high pigment loading, and superior dispersion. "The enhanced efficiency of our TPE concentrates helps processors avoid over-coloring while achieving rich, vivid hues in parts for consumer products," said Cafferty. "It may also be possible to reduce concentrate usage below the levels recommended by suppliers of conventional color concentrates used with TPEs."

Teknor Color Company recommends TEKlite TPE concentrates for use with most olefinic and styrenic TPEs, including thermoplastic polyolefins (TPOs) and thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs). "Because these new concentrates are also readily incorporated into EVA, polyethylene, and homopolymer polypropylene, processors who use these resins as well as TPEs can reduce their inventory by using the same concentrate for multiple polymers," Cafferty noted.

Recommended applications include grips, handles, and other components in housewares, appliances, hand and power tools, office devices, and personal care products, plus easy-grip closures and decorative components in packaging for pharmaceuticals and beauty aids.

Standard grades of TEKlite TPE concentrates include blue, green, red, yellow, black, and white. Typical let-down ratios are 50/1 (2%) for all colors except black (100/1, or 1%). All
colors are made without heavy metal pigments, and the white concentrate is appropriate for food, drug, and cosmetic applications. Per-pound list prices for 1/8-in beads in 1,000-pound gaylords range from $0.95 to $2.70, depending on color.

All TEKlite TPE concentrate colors can be viewed at the Teknor Color website (www.teknorcolor.com).