US-based tech firm Prism Worldwide has announced the commercial availability of Ancora C-1000 Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), which contains a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycle content derived from end-of-life tyres (ELTs) while maintaining the look, feel and processing of a typical petrochemically derived TPE.
Ancora TPEs are a new class of TPE compounds utilising polymers derived from ELTs manufactured with Prism Worldwide’s patented Prism process. This process uses tyre rubber as the primary feedstock in the production of polymer intermediates called PTR. These intermediate polymers are then compounded into injection mouldable TPE pellets at our recently acquired Sodus, NY plant.
The first compound in a series, Ancora C-1000 is suitable for use in a broad range of applications, such as automotive all-weather mats, weather stripping, footwear and more. This new Ancora compound is available in black and has a Shore A hardness of 80.
Ancora C-1000 is 99% domestically sourced meeting IIJA Buy America requirements. Prism’s base polymer has a carbon footprint approximately 86% lower than virgin synthetic rubber compounds.
“There is growing demand for recycled content throughout the industry, and high recycle content TPEs are not widely available. This product fills a unique market demand for both sustainability and performance. The technology we use can be applied over a broad range of applications and we look forward to working with the industry to grow this into a family of TPE compound products.” said Mark Kinkelaar, Prism’s Chief Commercial Officer.
In November 2022, Prism acquired CRC Polymer Systems (CRC), a custom compounding company supplying compounds, resins, and colours to the plastics industry.