Avient Corporation announced the expansion of its Gravi-Tech Density Modified Formulations portfolio to include more sustainable grades based on recycled and bio-based resin and/or filler, without sacrificing performance.

First-generation Gravi-Tech Density Modified Formulations were developed to mimic the luxurious look, weight, and feel of die-cast or machined metals by using select metallic fillers and thermoplastic resin.

These are a cost-effective alternative to metal, useful for applications in luxury packaging and consumer goods including caps and closures for cosmetics, bottle caps and boxes for spirits, and decorative knobs and grips for appliances, furniture, and automotive applications.

Gravi-Tech REC recycled formulations and Gravi-Tech BIO bio-based formulations can be used in cosmetic caps and closures.

As OEMs and consumers seek more sustainable materials in the packaging industry, Avient is advancing its Gravi-Tech Density Modified Formulations product line with two new sustainable solutions.

The first, Gravi-Tech REC Recycled Formulations, is based on recycled resin and/or filler from post-industrial recycled (PIR) and/or post-consumer recycled (PCR) sources. The second, Gravi-Tech BIO Bio-based Formulations, contains bio-based resin from renewable plant sources.

Both are developed to offer comparable performance to conventional density-modified solutions but with less reliance on virgin thermoplastics, supporting the circular economy and reducing carbon footprint relative to fossil feedstock resin alternatives.

“Gravi-Tech Density Modified Formulations were originally developed to provide an effective alternative to lead and other traditional metals,” introduced Matt Mitchell, director of global marketing, Specialty Engineered Materials at Avient. “Formulated using engineered thermoplastic resins and select metallic fillers, they offer densities similar to traditional metals while providing design and processing flexibility.” 

Similar to prime density modified grades, these new materials can be extruded, molded, calendered, or thermoformed into complex designs without expensive tooling. Performance characteristics, including density, corrosion and chemical resistance, and mechanical performance, can be customized depending on application needs.