Abbott, Kraton sign distribution agreement

Cerritos, California - RD Abbott Co. Inc. has signed an agreement with Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. for distribution of its Cariflex isoprene rubbers – specifically Cariflex IR0307 KU and IR0310 KU polymers – to manufacturers and fabricators throughout North America.

According to Abbott, Cariflex isoprene rubbers are high molecular weight, anionically polymerised polyisoprene, offering features such as high purity, clarity, good flow and low gel content. They have no nitrosamines or natural rubber proteins and also can be processed as natural rubber as it shares qualities such as good mechanical properties and hysteresis.

Applications for Cariflex include food and pharmaceutical packaging, seals and stoppers; baby bottle teats; transparent shoe soles and rubber parts; protective gloves; and other technical moulded goods.

“The addition of Cariflex isoprene rubbers to our product mix perfectly complements our health care portfolio and enhances our broad line of rubber polymers, chemicals, curatives, and high performance additives necessary for almost any compounding requirement,” Keith Thomas, president of RD Abbott, said in a statement.

Kraton established polyisoprene production in 2011 at is plant in Belpre, Ohio, allowing it to produce its Cariflex products.

“We anticipate that RD Abbott’s focus on rubbers, true technical service capabilities and quality of service will increase value for our customers throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico,” Phillippe Henderson, Kraton’s global market development director for Cariflex isoprene rubbers, said in a statement.