Housewares

The boom continues in soft touch thermoplastic elastomer (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.

Features	Benefits
NSF, FDA and EU compliant grades available	Global product marketability Ease of regulatory approvals
Low taste, odor	Better flavors, stronger consumer appeal
Low extractables	Longer life Better flavor Faster regulatory clearances
Available from opaque to translucent to clear Easily colored, from white to tomorrow's hues Range of surface appearances from rough to silky to smooth	Enhanced aesthetics Product differentiation
Range of resiliency and compliance	Excellent sealing, hot or cold Noise reduction Enhanced non-slip grip in wet or dry conditions Flexible assembly
Resistance to detergents and soaps	Good product life and performance
Capable of overmold bonding to wide range of materials, including engineering plastics	Product differentiation Reduced assembly, cycle time
Microwave transparency	Enhanced product preparation convenience

Example TPE applications include:

Non-slip cutting boards
Kitchen utensil grips
Cutlery handles
Can and jar openers
Broom and mop handles

Product Families

Dynaflex and Versaflex compounds are suitable for general-purpose grips that require smooth, consistent surface appearance and soft, ergonomic feel.
Versaflex and Versollan compounds are optimized for overmolded designs, with standard products for bonding to PC, ABS, PC/ABS, copolyester, nylon 6 and 6/6, polyethylene, polypropylene and propionate.