Avient Launches GLS™ Thermoplastic Elastomers with Antimicrobial Technology That Protects Against Microbial Growth

May 10, 2021

CLEVELAND – May 10, 2021 – Avient today announced the addition of three proprietary, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) formulations that contain antimicrobial additives to its GLS™ TPE portfolio. Tested in accordance with JIS Z2801 and ASTM G21-15 standards, these additives protect molded plastic parts by inhibiting bacterial growth (99.9 percent or more) and resisting fungal and mold growth.

In addition to potentially causing odor issues, these microrganisms can cause detrimental aesthetic and mechanical property changes to a finished plastic part. High-touch surfaces and applications are especially vulnerable. In response, Avient developed GLS TPEs with antimicrobial additives, available as Versaflex™ and OnFlex™ grades. Potential applications include consumer electronics, personal care item grips, and automotive applications such as cup holder mats and HVAC seals. 

GLS TPEs with antimicrobial additives can help extend a product’s useful life, which results in a reduced need to replace it. Additional benefits include preserved surface integrity, increased durability, and minimized odors for a better consumer experience.

“Products can now be designed with TPEs that can help extend useful life by inhibiting microbial growth,” said Matt Mitchell, director, global marketing of Specialty Engineered Materials at Avient, “and these newly formulated materials also deliver the performance synonymous with our GLS brand of TPEs.”

Tested against common microbes, GLS TPEs with antimicrobial additives are proven to protect finished parts from microbial growth on both textured and smooth surfaces. They are formulated with an EPA-registered antimicrobial from a trusted leader in microbial control solutions, Lonza LLC. This additive chemistry is the same one that has been used for decades in personal care products such as anti-dandruff shampoo. 

GLS TPEs with antimicrobial additives are commercially available in the United States and Asia. Additional antimicrobial-containing formulations are in development.

About Avient
Avient Corporation (NYSE: AVNT), with 2020 pro forma revenues of $3.8 billion, provides specialized and sustainable material solutions that transform customer challenges into opportunities, bringing new products to life for a better world. Examples include:

•    Barrier technologies that preserve the shelf-life and quality of food, beverages, medicine and other perishable goods through high-performance materials that require less plastic
•    Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation
•    Breakthrough technologies that minimize wastewater and improve the recyclability of materials and packaging across a spectrum of end uses

Avient employs approximately 8,400 associates and is certified ACC Responsible Care®, a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and certified Great Place to Work®.  For more information, visit www.avient.com.
 
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Media contact
Michelle Maniscalco
Senior Manager, Marketing Communications
Avient Corporation
michelle.maniscalco@avient.com