PolyOne has announced that select OnFlex TPEs are now being manufactured in North America, expanding production capabilities beyond facilities in Europe and Asia. Commercially available worldwide for over four years, the added production for OnFlex LO and OnFlex AF grades offers improved lead times for automotive OEMs and moulders in North America.
Suitable for a broad range of automotive applications, including HVAC seals and flaps, OnFlex LO materials meet stringent odour (VDA 270) and fogging (VDA 278) standards. The company said that they also reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by up to 50 % vs. existing TPEs.
OnFlex AF materials feature long-term sealing performance, reduced noise and vibration, and excellent UV resistance and weatherability. They meet diverse performance needs for interior and exterior automotive applications including trays, door pockets, fasteners, clips, roof rack pads, roof and door trim, and window encapsulations.
“Speed to market and production capacity go hand-in-hand toward meeting customer and market needs,” said Jean-Paul Scheepens, general manager, Americas, Specialty Engineered Materials at PolyOne. “Performance of these particular OnFlex grades enables automakers to innovate while complying with regulatory demands and sustainability concerns for vehicle interior air quality. With North American production, our regional customers will also benefit from improved lead times and potential cost savings.”