GLS’ New Thermoplastic Elastomer Offers Phthalate-Free / Plasticizer–Free Formulations

(Shanghai, China – April 17, 2008) GLS Corporation, which was recently acquired by PolyOne Corporation (NYSE: POL), is a global leader in the manufacture of high-performance, custom-formulated thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). Today the company announced at Chinaplas 2008, the introduction of a new phthalate-free TPE in its specialty VERSAFLEXTM TPE product line. The new product, called VERSAFLEX CL E95 TPE, addresses recent regulations limiting phthalate-based plasticizers and a growing market demand for low-extractable TPEs. This new phthalate-free, plasticizer-free TPE offers water-clarity, sterilization capability, and low extractables. It is well-suited for a range of packaging applications, including FDA-compliant food packaging, drug storage and delivery systems, bottles, containers, cosmetic applications, and infant care products. Other applications include a variety of extruded tubing and films, blow-molded bags, and face masks. Samples of the new material are on display here in GLS booth # W2J11, Hall 2.

According to Joseph Kutka, GLS technology launch manager, “We developed VERSAFLEX CL E95 to provide our customers with an extrudable and water clear product capable of autoclave sterilization. Our new plasticizer-free technology, combined with our entire phthalate-free TPE product line, supports our customers requiring a single non-phthalate-containing raw material to manufacture and market their products globally.”

There is a growing international trend to reduce the use of phthalates and plasticizers in products being manufactured for global consumption. For example, in the United States, California recently passed a bill (California AB 1108) restricting the use of six forms of phthalates in certain toy and childcare articles beginning Jan. 1, 2009. Other states are considering similar legislation, and the European Parliament recently voted to restrict the use of the same six forms of phthalates in toys and child care items as well (EU Directive 2005/84/EC). Asian manufacturers are seeking phthalate and plasticizer free materials to satisfy similar demands.

VERSAFLEX CL E95 TPE offers a unique balance of superior clarity, low hardness, and excellent flexibility at low temperatures as compared to competitive products. The new grade is stable under gamma and autoclave sterilization. Leveraging its well-known customization capabilities, GLS can tailor this technology suite to provide a variety of hardnesses, custom colors, and flow properties. Following are the typical physical properties of this new material:

•Hardness: 95 Shore A

•Specific Gravity: 0.90

•Tensile Strength at Break: 2500 psi

•Elongation at Break: 575 percent

•300 Percent Modulus: 1700 psi

•Tear Strength: 700 pli

•Autoclavable & Radiation Stable

•High Clarity (Haze <5 ASTM D1003)

Reader enquiries

GLS Corporation

United States

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Notes for editors

TM VERSAFLEX is a trademark of GLS

About GLS

GLS is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and supply of high-performance, custom-formulated thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), and is headquartered in McHenry, Ill., USA. The company specializes in the manufacture of application-specific high performance soft TPEs for injection molding and extrusion. GLS has supplied specialty TPEs to the industry since 1979, and is recognized as a worldwide leader in TPE technology solutions. See www.glscorporation.com for additional information on GLS.

About PolyOne

PolyOne Corporation, with annual revenues of more than $2.7 billion, is a leading global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions. Headquartered outside of Cleveland, Ohio, USA, PolyOne has operations across the world. See www.polyone.com for additional information on PolyOne.

TM VERSAFLEX is a trademark of GLS

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