WASHINGTON, Pa., November 18, 2020 – Audia Elastomers, a global supplier of innovative elastomer materials, will deliver a technical presentation on its OP line of thermoplastic elastomers based on marine waste plastics Dec. 15-16 at the Elastomers World Summit. The online technical conference, sponsored by multinational consultancy Smithers, brings together manufacturers, processors, end-users, designers and researchers for a summit-style technical discussion of elastomer materials, global markets, processing advancements and novel applications.

Anthony Marozsan, Market Development Manager for Audia Elastomers, will discuss the new range of high-performance materials which increase the potential market for marine waste beyond basic PET fibers and containers and allow more brand owners the opportunity to help keep oceans clean and free from debris. 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 said. “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.”

The OP line of elastomers tackles many of these issues with raw materials sourced from at-risk regions, upcycling used commercial fishing gear, and salvaging plastic waste from marine and beach clean-up efforts. The OP line of materials includes products with up to 45% marine waste and 70% total recycled material content in a range of hardnesses from 35 Shore A to 95 Shore A. These materials can compete in high-performance applications for consumer goods, toys, electronics, and sporting equipment against conventional TPEs, TPVs, and TPU chemistries.

The presentation will address both technical and regulatory issues facing marine plastics. Some of the technical challenges include working with variable and potentially degraded sources of raw material. Audia Elastomers has developed ways to stabilize these resins and increase their properties to match prime grades including low color, UV stable, FDA, and elasticity properties. On the regulatory side, Audia Elastomers works with sources that are by definition from second or third-world regions. As a result, the company works internally to carefully audit these sources and complete third-party certification as well. The process is able to trace the material source by lot and certify the source of the material, the overall recycled content, and confirm that correct social and labor practices comply within the supply chain.

Audia Elastomers is working closely with customers to commercially adopt its new marine waste-based TPEs for select end-use applications.

Marine plastics is only one facet of Audia Elastomers’ broad sustainability effort which includes an ongoing effort to develop sustainable materials for customers as well as internally focused activities centered around achieving zero landfill, carbon footprint reduction, and sustainable operations.                                                                     

About Audia Elastomers

Audia Elastomers is a leading provider of innovative elastomers solutions worldwide.  We design our materials to look better and perform better than traditional TPE, TPV, TPU, or TPEE.  Our team’s passion and creativity can bring your vision to life through custom solutions and innovative technologies, and we pride ourselves on being flexible and responsive to your needs throughout the process. With our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in LaFayette, GA, and a growing global footprint, Audia Elastomers is a true partner in your success. Audia Elastomers is part of the Audia® group of companies which includes Washington Penn, Uniform Color, Southern Polymer, and Audia Liqui-Kolor®.