Capitalizing on its long-standing experience in castor oil chemistry, Arkema has now developed Pebax® Rnew100, a range of thermoplastic elastomers produced entirely from renewable raw materials.

By combining a bio-sourced polyol with castor oil chemistry, Arkema further extends its program to substitute fossil raw materials with raw materials of plant origin, in line with its sustainable development policy. Complementing the Pebax® Rnew range which is based on 20 to 95% plant origin carbon, Pebax® Rnew100, Arkema’s latest high performance thermoplastic elastomer range, is entirely derived from renewable resources. Thanks to a reduction in fossil energy requirements during their production and in overall equivalent CO2 emissions, these products will find a natural place within the eco-design programs initiated by many manufacturers.

As with the other Pebax® grades, Pebax® Rnew100 boasts outstanding mechanical properties, together with excellent resistance to thermal and ultra-violet ageing. Light weight and outstanding dynamic behavior, hence excellent resistance to both flexural and tensile stress, also set this product apart. Pebax® Rnew100 therefore offers the best possible compromise between rigidity and mechanical strength at cold temperature.

Pebax® Rnew and Rnew100 have countless industrial applications involving the manufacture of high added value products. They fulfil stringent specification requirements in many sectors, including automotive, electronics and sports equipment.

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema consists of three businesses: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Arkema reports sales of 5.6 billion euros. Arkema has 15,000 employees in over 40 countries and six research centers located in France, the United States and Japan. With internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.