Friedrichshafen, Germany — Teknor Apex Co. is starting its second century with new types of sustainable materials for its customers.
At Fakuma 2024, Pawtucket, R.I.-based Teknor focused on recycled-content grades of its Sarlink thermoplastic vulcanizates and Monprene-brand styrenic thermoplastic elastomers.
The new TPV can reduce the carbon footprint of parts made for the auto industry and other markets, while matching the performance of standard TPVs, Europe General Manager Jan Duyfjes said Oct. 15 at Fakuma.
The styrenic TPEs provide good clarity and overall performance in razor handles or other soft-touch applications, European Market Manager Chris Smith said. The materials also are finding a home in sports equipment such as scuba masks.
In electric vehicles, Teknor's Sarlink TPVs are being used in cooling hoses that allow for thermal management of batteries. Other Teknor materials are finding homes in EV battery covers and cases.
Although there's been some economic uncertainty in 2024, Duyfjes said Teknor has had "a very solid year in many different materials and end markets." Smith added the sustainability trend has been a bright spot for the firm.
Teknor is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The firm was founded by Alfred Fain in 1924 as Apex Tire & Rubber Co. in Providence, R.I., and remains owned by the Fain family. Jonathan Fain, Alfred Fain's grandson, retired as CEO in late 2023 after 51 years with Teknor.
Today, Teknor is a global materials firm that ranks as one of North America's 30 largest compounders and concentrate makers. The firm operates 13 plants worldwide in the U.S., Belgium, Germany, China and Singapore, with annual sales of more than $1 billion.
Teknor products include PVC compounds, TPE and engineering resin compounds, as well as garden hoses.