Audia Elastomers launches marine waste TPE line

Audia Elastomers, a global supplier of innovative elastomer materials, has announced the launch of its OP line of TPEs based on marine waste plastics.

The OP line of elastomer materials includes products with up to 45 per cent marine waste and 70 per cent total recycled material content ranging from 35 Shore A to 95 Shore A hardness.

This new range of high-performance materials increases the potential market for marine waste beyond basic PET fibres and containers, and allows more brand owners the opportunity to help keep oceans clean and free from debris, according to Anthony Marozsan, market development manager for Audia Elastomers.

Audia is focused on recapturing beach clean-up materials, commercial fishing gear, and ocean-bound plastics as the source for its TPEs.

“The OP product line is an example of Audia’s commitment to sustainability,” Marozsan said. “These materials offer our customers a cost-effective way to incorporate marine plastics into products without sacrificing performance.” 

The challenge of ocean pollution is multifaceted and requires more than one solution, according to Marozsan: “The most important step in stopping and preventing ocean waste is intercepting waste before it ever enters the oceans or a waterway,” he added. “A key component of this initiative is to create a market for recycled plastic from regions with poor existing waste infrastructure before it enters the ocean.” 

Elastomer compounds allow more design freedom and end uses for marine plastics versus single resin recycling. Audia Elastomers incorporates these marine waste materials into its formulations via its proprietary compounding technology.