BASF launches new transparent plastic

Ludwigshafen, Germany -- BASF has started marketing a new highly-transparent type of Styrolux plastic exclusively in Europe, aimed at extruded blister packaging and presentation displays.

Styrolux 3G46 belongs to the family of styrene-butadiene block copolymers (SBS) and can be used to manufacture cups and bowls - which are made by thermoforming - as well as making injection-moulded parts more transparent.

The company said the new plastic had good tensile strength and stiffness, as well high transparency, despite having a standard polystyrene (GPPS) content of up to 40 per cent.

''In comparison to the likewise highly transparent multi-layered films made of polyester, the new Styrolux is also 30 per cent less dense, it does not have to be dried and it is easier to process, all of which translates into yet another cost advantage for our customers,'' said BASF's Florian Greger, who is responsible for marketing Styrolux.