US compounding specialist Teknor Apex (Pawtucket, Rhode Island; www.teknorapex.com) has launched Monprene S3 CP-15170 BLK, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) made with 35% sustainable content sourced from UBQ – a bio-based and recyclable plastic substitute converted from organic, unrecyclable waste, and post-consumer recycled material.

Israeli cleantech company UBQ Materials (Tel Aviv; www.ubqmaterials.com) says it produces the UBQ bio-based thermoplastic from unsorted household waste including organics (see Plasteurope.com of 18.01.2023). Teknor Apex replaces oil-based raw materials in its TPE formulations with UBQ to reduce the carbon footprint of its end products, says the US company.

The TPE combines the performance of thermoset rubber with the processability of a thermoplastic and can still be recycled, the company adds. The material is designed specifically for injection moulding or overmoulding onto polypropylene and is ideal for applications requiring flexibility.