United Soft Plastics (USP), a leading manufacturer and custom compounder of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), has reported a surge of interest in the use of TPE for the production of many COVID-19 related medical applications.

The company said several companies, both domestic and international, have approached the company requesting materials to convert their non-medical manufacturing facilities to produce items to meet the healthcare demand from the global pandemic.

According to Benedict Herbst, executive vice president and CFO of USP, TPEs have been adopted in a range of COVID-19 related applications including personal protective equipment (PPE).

USP expects this demand to drop gradually towards the middle or end of 2021, but there will still be more long-term support for these medical products than existed before the pandemic, particularly due to the growing use of antimicrobial, antivirus, and antibiotic compounds. 

TPEs have been adopted in a range of PPE like face masks.

Due to COVID-19, USP reported a spike in interest both in replacing current materials (i.e. silicone or standard rubber) with softer plastic in current applications and in scaling those applications for the future.

The company has supplied a special TPE compound for the Nvironone OvaOne interchangeable filter face mask from Mexican manufacturer Nvironone. The mask has three containment plates that progressively block the dispersion of droplets and utilizes an N95 filter that retains the spread of aerosol particles. The injection molded material for the mask’s base structure is designed to meet FDA contact requirements and is safe for skin contact.

The high-performance TPE - sold through subsidiary USPM de Mexico Plastics - exhibits high tear strength and a smooth surface finish. “Despite the challenging business environment due to the pandemic, we’ve enjoyed strong growth in Mexico thanks to applications like these,” added Tomasz Nowinski, General Manager of USP de Mexico.

Throughout the pandemic, there has also been strong growth in face shields and other face coverings. USP’s Unisoft Special and Medical Series grades are highly suitable because they provide very good elasticity, strong recovery properties, and tear resistance for all elastic parts. To date, there have been several million face shields manufactured utilizing USP materials for the straps.

In response to continued growth, USP has undertaken extensive product development work and now offers a broad portfolio of TPE products. The company’s product line includes standard grades adhering to PP and special adhesion grades for non-PP over-molding applications with substrates such as ABS, PC, nylon, PBT, PS, PPO, and PMMA.

Other innovative materials have been developed to meet special regulatory requirements within the FDA, EU food contact, REACH, and NSF. The range of products also includes new acrylic-based TPEs which offer an ultra-transparent profile and a smooth dry surface with improved oil and chemical resistance.

United Soft Plastics (USP), a leading manufacturer and custom compounder of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), has reported a surge of interest in the use of TPE for the production of many COVID-19 related medical applications.

The company said several companies, both domestic and international, have approached the company requesting materials to convert their non-medical manufacturing facilities to produce items to meet the healthcare demand from the global pandemic.

According to Benedict Herbst, executive vice president and CFO of USP, TPEs have been adopted in a range of COVID-19 related applications including personal protective equipment (PPE).

USP expects this demand to drop gradually towards the middle or end of 2021, but there will still be more long-term support for these medical products than existed before the pandemic, particularly due to the growing use of antimicrobial, antivirus, and antibiotic compounds. 

TPEs have been adopted in a range of PPE like face masks.

Due to COVID-19, USP reported a spike in interest both in replacing current materials (i.e. silicone or standard rubber) with softer plastic in current applications and in scaling those applications for the future.

The company has supplied a special TPE compound for the Nvironone OvaOne interchangeable filter face mask from Mexican manufacturer Nvironone. The mask has three containment plates that progressively block the dispersion of droplets and utilizes an N95 filter that retains the spread of aerosol particles. The injection molded material for the mask’s base structure is designed to meet FDA contact requirements and is safe for skin contact.

The high-performance TPE - sold through subsidiary USPM de Mexico Plastics - exhibits high tear strength and a smooth surface finish. “Despite the challenging business environment due to the pandemic, we’ve enjoyed strong growth in Mexico thanks to applications like these,” added Tomasz Nowinski, General Manager of USP de Mexico.

Throughout the pandemic, there has also been strong growth in face shields and other face coverings. USP’s Unisoft Special and Medical Series grades are highly suitable because they provide very good elasticity, strong recovery properties, and tear resistance for all elastic parts. To date, there have been several million face shields manufactured utilizing USP materials for the straps.

In response to continued growth, USP has undertaken extensive product development work and now offers a broad portfolio of TPE products. The company’s product line includes standard grades adhering to PP and special adhesion grades for non-PP over-molding applications with substrates such as ABS, PC, nylon, PBT, PS, PPO, and PMMA.

Other innovative materials have been developed to meet special regulatory requirements within the FDA, EU food contact, REACH, and NSF. The range of products also includes new acrylic-based TPEs which offer an ultra-transparent profile and a smooth dry surface with improved oil and chemical resistance.