Under a separate agreement, ExxonMobil Chemical has appointed PolyOne Distribution to be an authorised distributor of Santoprene medical grade TPVs in North America. PolyOne GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers has been appointed the authorised distributor for these materials in Europe.

"In addition to its compounding capability, PolyOne has a strategic focus for the medical and healthcare sector that will help Santoprene TPVs penetrate this market," said Simon Holmes, global marketing manager, ExxonMobil Chemical.

Ashland Distribution of Dublin, OH, which has distributed Santoprene TPVs since 1993, will remain the lead North American distributor for all non-medical grades of Santoprene TPVs, as well as Vistamaxx propylene-based elastomers, Exact plastomers and Exxelor polymer resins. T&T Marketing Inc. of Millbury, CT, will also continue as a North American distributor for electrical grades of Santoprene TPVs.

In Europe, B. Bigler in Switzerland, Bjørn Thorsen A/S in Denmark, Küttner Industrieberatung GmbH in Germany, and Biesterfeld Plastic GmbH in Germany and its affiliates in France, Italy, U.K., Austria and Spain, will remain distributors for all non-medical grades of Santoprene TPVs.

ExxonMobil Chemical said that it will continue to work with select large original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), systems suppliers and fabricators, directly.