Food and Beverage
Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is widely used in the Food and Beverage market. Manufacturers have recognized Star TPE for their use in a variety of applications.
In the kitchen, many kinds of food and drink containers use TPE. For example, with its soft and grippy nature, TPE is used to make a variety of child drink bottles and sippy cups. Many food storage containers use Star TPE material for the snappy, flexible type lid found with plastic and glass food storage.
Eating and Drinking with Thermoplastic Elastomers
One of the greatest innovations in food service and preparation was the use of polymers that allowed for better food storage and preservation. Thermoplastic elastomers are used in products that are sold as food storage containers and in many of the industrial strength containers used in restaurants, cafeterias and other public food service settings.
Thermoplastics and TPEs have also been used to replace metal parts in some food service products including food processing equipment. By nature, TPE is non-corrosive, flexible and can withstand temperature extremes, making it an excellent choice of material. Thermoplastic elastomers have good adhesion to polypropylene and as well as polar substrates. They also exhibit good ozone and UV resistance. TPE can be designed to have appropriate rheology for long and thin-wall parts.
Common Uses
TPE is very common when it comes to products used for the preparation, storage and dispensing of food and drinks. You’ll find TPE in everything from beverage bottles that use the tactile nature to enhance feel and function to food containers. TPE helps keep food preserved and as fresh as possible. Star TPE is an excellent choice for use in consumer and industrial food and beverage applications. They are used in dairy and beverage tubing, caps and closures, cap liners, and container packaging.
Examples
Water Bottles
Water bottles and travel mugs feature a rubbery screw top to seal the container. Given its waterproof and durable nature, TPEs are often used to make these lids. TPEs make grippy fixtures on their bottles – such as the gripper boot on the bottom of a mug, the ergonomic handle or wrap sleeve. These enhancements allow people get a better hold of their bottle for drinking during activities like riding a bike, running, or even riding the subway.
Food Containers
Just about everyone has seen one of these types of containers. Chances are you’ve probably used one yourself. These plastic food containers have been popular for many years and for good reason: they’re an affordable way to keep your food lasting longer. TPEs are often used to make the flexible lids for these containers due to the material’s ability to create a tight seal, which helps to keep the air out.
Food Manufacturing
With industrial level applications, many companies are making the switch from metal to thermoplastics. Stainless steel alloys, while featuring many attributes that make them work well for food processing, can be costly to maintain. The lubricants used to maintain stainless steel can pose contamination risks as well. TPEs are also substantially lighter weight than steel, making them an appealing alternative to food manufacturers.
Getting Started
Star Thermoplastics would love to get started working with you. With our wide variety of thermoplastic formulations we can deliver solutions that meet your exact specifications and needs for your product. As expert TPE manufacturers we understand completely what’s required to quickly get your production up and running.