Arkema supplies TPE for Sony soccer giveaway

ERJ staff report (PRW)

Colombes, France -- Pebax Rnew, a bio-sourced thermoplastic elastomer produced by Arkema Group, has been selected by Sony Corp. for its “Join the Team!” soccer ball, specifically developed for donation to children in Africa.

In many African countries, including Republic of South Africa, where 2010 FIFA World Cup will take place and for which Sony is an official sponsor, soccer is often being played in very demanding conditions, which shortens durability of the balls.

The Sony ball was, however, designed to endure being used on rough terrain. It features a dual-layered surface, one of them being in Pebax Rnew, which brings 1.6 times higher durability than conventional soccer balls, according to Arkema.

The balls will be distributed by the United Nations Development Program and the Japan International Cooperation Agency during and after the 2010 World Cup.

The donation program is part of a wider project, Earth FC, which aims to draw the attention of the international community to the major health challenges facing Africa such as the spread of AIDS.

From PRW.com (A Crain publication)

Press release from Arkema