Page 60 - Plastcs News August 2017

PrODuCT NEWS

Pretium gets a handle on PET Teknor Apex launches
containers Medalist® MD-23100

issouri based Pretium Packaging LLC has developed eknor Apex has introduced its new medical-grade
Ma 64-ounce, stock PET container with an integrated Tthermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) elastomers for
handle — a breakthrough product called the SureHandle. injection molded o-rings, gaskets, and diaphragms
“There have been a variety of attempts over the years that exhibit excellent long-term sealing performance,
cost less to process than thermoset rubber, and
provide manufacturing advantages over standard
TPVs and styrenic TPEs. The new Medalist® MD-
23100 compounds from Teknor Apex Company provide
rubber-like elasticity, superior long-term compression
set, and chemical resistance.
Unlike some standard TPVs, compounds in the new
Medalist series are non-hygroscopic, rendering pre-
drying unnecessary, and their lighter natural hue
makes them easy to color. Medalist MD-23100 Series
compounds also exhibit better high-temperature
to develop handled PET containers, but most have fallen stability than styrenic TPEs. Medalist MD-23100 Series
short of the mark,” said Pretium President and CEo TPVs are available with Shore A hardness levels from
Paul Kasyer. “This new technology creates all sorts of a soft 15 to a semi-hard 73. With melt flow rates
possibilities for products — including beverages, foods ranging as high as 24 g/10 minutes, the new TPVs
and household and industrial chemicals — that could are suitable for molding small, high-precision parts
benefit from a monolayer container with an ergonomic in complex, multi-cavity tools. The compounds are
handleware solution.” Pretium, based in Chesterfield, suitable for over-molding onto polypropylene. Teknor
Missouri used technology from Practically Impossible Labs Apex recommends the new compounds for sealing
in Houston. The container is easier to handle for children components used in devices for drug delivery, fluid
and older adults, and people with physical challenges, transfer, dialysis, endoscopy, and other procedures,
compared to pinch grip or straight-sided packages, and in such equipment as feeding devices, and pumps.
according to the company. It is easier to carry and "The dynamic
gives improved control when pouring. The handleware se a lin g
bottle has been engineered for products that need fill prope rt i e s
temperatures up to 120° F. It can accommodate an of Medalist
induction seal or a foam liner. The integrated-handle PET M D-2 3 1 0 0
preform is loaded in the same manner as a conventional Series TPVs
preform. Proprietary enhancements have been made enable device
to standard blow cavities to accept and position the manufacturers
handle during the blowing process. Because there is no to o btain
secondary operation required to add the handle to the e xce lle n t
container, SureHandle has increased structural integrity, long-term performance while avoiding the higher cost
the company said.
and greater complications associated with processing
SureHandle is currently available only in mono layer PET, thermoset rubber,” said Ross van Royen, senior market
and Pretium has partnered with several suppliers who can manager for regulated products. Teknor Apex produces
provide additives such as ultraviolet light inhibitors and Medalist MD-23100 Series compounds in ISo-13485
oxygen scavengers to address barrier needs. The entire, facilities in the USA and Singapore.
all-PET container can be recycled.

Plastics News | August 2017 60