Additives makers highlighting new processing aids at NPE

Baerlocher USA, ID Additives, Tolsa and Tosaf Fusion are among the many additives makers bringing new products to NPE2024.

Cincinnati-based Baerlocher USA (S35171) will spotlight cost-competitive, sustainable additive solutions and initiatives to help the plastics industry comply with environmental, health and safety regulations, officials said in a news release. These additives include a recently launched PFAS-free polymer processing aid (PPA) and a new bioplasticizer solution. Officials said the materials are "redefining industry standards and paving the way to a greener future."

Baerlocher is "deeply dedicated to sustainability and recycling," Baerlocher USA President and CEO Edward Hall said in the release. "In collaboration with our customers and industry partners, we are reshaping the future of the plastics industry."

Additives in focus for Baerlocher at NPE2024 include:

• New PFAS-free PPAs. Officials said the new PPAs are free of both per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and siloxanes and are well suited for use in blown film, pipe, and wire and cable applications.

• Calcium-based stabilizers for PVC. These materials are low toxicity, environmentally friendly calcium/zinc heat stabilizers for rigid PVC applications. Officials said calcium-based stabilizers are a more environmentally responsible alternative to tin-based stabilizers. The materials are already used in flexible PVC applications such as wire and cable, extruded profiles and flooring.

• Enhanced bioplasticizers and bio-based one-packs. These bioplasticizer and novel bioplasticizer/liquid mixed metal customizable one-packs offer sustainable alternatives to traditional plasticizers without reducing the mechanical properties of PVC. Officials said the plasticizers enhance the material's processing performance and aesthetic properties while reducing or eliminating the typical issues with plant-based plasticizers.

• Lubricant solutions for PVC. Officials said Baerlocher USA's internal and external lubricant solutions go beyond conventional offerings, adding significant value to the manufacturing process. The solutions are supplied through customizable value-added one-packs and provide excellent processability and dispersibility.

ID Additives Inc. (S32033) of La Grange, Ill., will feature displays of its main product lines, including chemical foaming agents, purging compounds, plastic mold cleaners, and water cleaning and maintenance systems.

ID will conduct live demonstrations of the Eco-Pro 360 Mold Cleaning System at its booth. Eco-Pro 360 is a preventative maintenance cleaning system for injection molds, heat exchangers and chill rolls. The system includes a pump and filter combination unit.

In a news release, ID officials said the Eco-Pro 360 removes, protects and helps prevent rust and limescale within the cooling passages and water lines in the mold. The demonstrations "will show why it's important to maintain clean water lines, to achieve optimal cooling efficiency and turbulent flow," Technical Manager Bryan Whitaker said.

In addition to the Eco-Pro 360 display, ID Additives products in focus include:

• Chemical foaming agents for a wide variety of plastics processing applications. ID has a large selection of foaming agents designed for specific applications to reduce weight and maintain dimensional stability of plastic parts.

• Purging compounds for color changes, resin changes and startup/shutdown maintenance for injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding.

• Eco-Pro Cool EX Water Maintenance Systems for optimizing closed-loop water systems. Officials said the all-organic, high-performance coolant includes inhibitors for preventing cooling water system corrosion and mineral scale buildup and fouling.

Madrid-based Tolsa SA (S30174) will spotlight its Adins-brand additives, which officials said are growing in demand as a sustainable replacement of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as an anti-dripping mechanism in flame-retardant formulations.

Since late 2023, Tolsa has seen a 70 percent increase in demand for alternatives to PTFE as an anti-dripping mechanism, according to Functional Additives Product Manager Marta Sacristán. She said most of this growth is focused on production of polycarbonate and PC/ABS compounds and also in polyethylene and polypropylene.

The Adins additives range "offers a more complete improvement in fire retardancy properties because they don't just behave as an anti-dripping mechanism, but are also a more sustainable solution since much of its content comes from natural sources," Sacristán said.

Tolsa has validated Adins additives as a PTFE replacement in an electric vehicle battery case application in the United Kingdom. The firm is also working with global firms to substitute PTFE in automotive parts and electrical devices, along with other applications, officials said.

Anti-dripping agents are needed in halogen and halogen-free formulations. PTFE is a commonly used drip suppressant, but officials said there are concerns about potential health risks connected to PFAS and other forever chemicals.

Adins additives can be used in all types of matrix polymers, including thermoplastics, thermosets and rubber. Officials said the materials work in combination with many flame retardants and that FR compounders can use the same equipment used with other components to make Adins-based formulations.

Tosaf USA (S34071) will be at NPE2024 with nylon modifiers, compatibilizers for PP and HFFR cable compounds, as well as tie layers for PE applications in agriculture and packaging. These materials are offered through Tosaf's Tosaf Fusion unit.

In a news release, officials with Tosaf in Tvunot, Israel, said the firm can make both masterbatch concentrates and grafted polymers. Because of increasing demand, Tosaf Fusion is relocating its production to a larger facility in Israel's Alon Tavor industrial area.

In 2023, Tosaf increased its North American production capacity by 40 percent through investments at its four plants in the region. Tosaf operates North American plants in Baytown and Arlington, Texas; Bessemer City, N.C.; and West Unity, Ohio. In 2023, the firm installed new extrusion lines, advanced automation and control systems at these sites.

Tosaf installed five new production lines at its North American sites in 2023, and additional lines and equipment have been ordered for 2024. The firm has invested more than $10 million in recent North American expansions, including at the Baytown site, which was opened in 2023.

In Bessemer City, Tosaf added a new rail car loader that allows for shipping of colors, white resin and additives via rail car. Tosaf employs more than 1,400 at 21 production sites worldwide.