Kraton Polymers LLC (Kraton), a leading global producer of engineered polymers, announces its commercialization of Kraton G1645, a polymer that creates new opportunities to replace PVC in medical applications. In recent years there has been increased demand for eco-friendly, better performing products verses conventional elastomers. Once again Kraton Polymers delivers breakthrough technology offering a clear, sterilizable, strong elastomer that offers a broad formulating window without the need for phthalate plasticizers.
There is no true comparison to Kraton G1645 which demonstrates smooth softness, flexible elasticity and toughness along with ultra-clear transparency. The advantages continue with easy processability in blown and cast films and other standard extrusion equipment, high-speed thermoplastic processing and a high degree of puncture resistance required in many medical applications. The product, known in the developmental form as Kraton MD6945 requires no phthalate plasticizers or other softening agents. In addition, it is available as a free flowing dense pellet and can easily be directly blended or coextruded with polyolefins.
It features a Shore A hardness of approximately 35, has a low density and is light weight (0.90 and up) which makes it an ideal replacement for PVC in medical applications. The unique properties of Kraton G1645 makes it a natural fit for medical applications such as, medical drapery, intravenous bags and drug delivery systems, as well as other extruded products such as tubing for IV sets, respiratory therapy, and parenteral feeding kits. As previously reported, these products have passed a battery of toxicology studies completed by an FDA recognized independent laboratory. The testing results indicate these products meet requirements under the new international ISO standards, which are much more stringent than traditional USP Class VI and it passed the ISO 10993 standard. Kraton G1645 is approved by the FDA for use in direct food contact applications without any conditions of use or food type restrictions and compliant with the European Food Contact Directive 2002/72/EC.
Kraton Polymers advanced technology provides a solution that is eco-friendly and ultra-clear in comparison to PVC or silicone. Its dedication and unmatched ability to deliver innovative products to specialized market segments is a testament to its long standing status as the global leader of engineered polymers.
