Consumer
In recent years, the demand for mechanical performance, soft touch and ergonomic functionality in product design has rapidly expanded into the consumer market. As a result, manufacturers are seeking ways to add functionality, value, comfort and durability to their products by incorporating TPEs. This trend can be seen throughout the consumer market - from running shoes to toothbrush handles to food storage containers - all of which incorporate TPEs in their designs. PolyOne GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers has played an integral part in the growth of TPEs consumer applications by developing the broadest portfolio of TPE materials in the industry. To learn how GLS materials can provide value to your consumer application, contact us today.
Advantages
Specialized thermoplastic elastomers offer unique solutions for consumer applications.
- Excellent grip characteristics - wet or dry
- Adhesion to a wide variety of plastic substrates
- Easy and consistent colorability
- Smooth, even surface appearance
- FDA compliant
- PVC and latex-free
- Wide range of hardness values available, from gels to 90 Shore A
- Good weatherability and color retention
- Low temperature flexibility
Applications include
Appliances
In major appliances, TPEs must be durable, resistant to hot water, seal at low or high temperatures and provide long service life. In many small appliance applications, soft touch materials can enhance the overall look and feel of the product. In all appliance types, TPEs can provide product differentiation. Unique textures range from silky to ribbed to gel-soft. Standout colors include metallics, pearlescents, and thermochromics.
Housewares
The boom continues in soft touch TPE grips in products ranging from kitchen utensils to cutting boards. By incorporating soft TPE materials into their products, housewares manufacturers have been able to offer consumers added value and comfort - plus enhanced functionality.
Toys
Trends in toys are driving the use of very soft elastomers with a custom feel and look. TPEs offer child-safe solutions, including FDA compliance. And TPEs provide high elasticity resilience for everything from bounce-back surfaces to tires and balls.
Hand and Power Tools
From weekend warriors to construction and industrial pros, users increasingly demand soft touch grips and controls on their tools. TPEs help bring comfort, safety and durability to this need.
Sports and Leisure
From the start, TPEs in sports and leisure applications has grown rapidly, thanks to user appreciation for soft touch components. TPEs can replace thermoset rubber, reducing production steps, weight and cost - and increasing durability and product life. Overmolding offers a range of parts consolidation as well.
Footwear
Custom developed TPEs can provide process and performance value in high performance footwear applications. To learn more about the innovative solutions in this competitive arena see our Brooks Sports, Inc. case study.
Infant Care
Manufacturers of infant care items are increasingly searching for alternatives to PVC and latex rubber to improve the performance and value of their products. GLS addresses this growing trend with a range of TPE compounds that offer new design possibilities and enhanced consumer appeal.
Personal Care
TPEs revolutionized the personal care market when they were first introduced as soft grips in toothbrush and razor handle designs. Since these first toothbrushes appeared on shelves, the demand for personal care products with a soft grip has increased significantly.
