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Tailor-made thermoplastic vulcanisates (TPVs) in food contact applications and for use in medical devices

von Dr. Jörg Frahn, Kathleen Lamprecht, Dr. Eric Richter

This article provides an overview of the tailor-made adjustment of thermoplastic ­vulcanisates (TPVs), focussing on the special demands of more sophisticated products, for example in contact with food and potable water as well as for medical devices. The legal requirements in Europe for food contact applications with regard to the new topics in the EU 10/2011 regulation for “Plastic Food Contact Materials” and the implication of the German recommendations by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) are outlined. Furthermore, a description of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and the escapers for food contact applications with TPVs are provided together with an overview of the requirements for contact with potable water.

The article continues with the impact of limited raw material selection on food contact applications and how the excellent properties of TPVs are nevertheless realised for these grades. Following this, examples for TPV applications with food contact are presented and the advantages that TPVs offer for these applications. Finally, the demands for TPV materials when used for medical devices are outlined.