Teknor develops TPEs compliant with German drinking water standards

Pawtucket, Rhode Island – US compounder Teknor Apex Co. has launched a new series of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) that meet stringent German standards for drinking water applications.

Monprene RG-14000 series TPEs are certified for cold-water (23 °C) and warm-water (60 °C) applications in accordance with Germany’s KTW (Kontakt mit Trinkwasser) guideline for drinking water, said Teknor in a 9 Sept statement. 

In addition, the materials meet the requirements of the DVGW (Deutscher Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches) technical Standard W270 – a test method used to determine the microbial growth on non-metallic materials intended for use in drinking water systems. 

The TPEs, which also comply with European directive EU 10/2011 for food contact applications, are available in Shore A hardnesses from 50 to 90.

The compounds can be supplied in natural or black formulations and can be extruded, injection moulded, or two-component moulded onto polyolefin substrates, Teknor added.

The materials are particularly suited for flexible or elastic components used in residential or commercial applications, such as shower heads, plumbing seals and gaskets and hoses.  

The TPEs help avoid chemical or microbial contamination of potable water systems and prevent impairment of water quality with unwanted odours, flavours, or colours, said Chris Smith, senior market manager for Teknor Apex in Europe. 

Germany is set to stop the use of certain rubber-based components, including seals, in drinking water systems from 2021.

Under the KTW ‘guidelines’, all chemicals covered by the EU’s REACH chemical safety regulations require a new permit governing which materials can be used in drinking water systems.