South Korean additives producer Songwon (Ulsan; www.songwonind.com) has introduced a stabiliser for XPS containing polymeric flame retardants (PolyFR). “Songxtend” 1301 has been developed to protect pFR while maintaining the improved molecular weight and colour of XPS containing the retardants. In addition, the stabiliser offers a broader processing window compared to currently available alternatives, the company said.

Thomas Schmutz, director global technical service at Songwon, said: “The product demonstrates Songwon’s drive to support masterbatch suppliers and XPS producers meet the challenges of the upcoming change from HBCD to PolyFR."

The EU plans to ban the use of HBCD flame retardant in PS foams for construction applications from 21 August this year – see Plasteurope.com of 16.07.2012.