Merquinsa's renewable-sourced TPU features in ski goggles

05-Jun-09

Leading thermoplastic polyurethane specialty producer Merquinsa's renewable-sourced Pearlthane® ECO, Bio Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers (Bio TPU) can now be found in US-based market leader, Smith Optics' new Evolve collection of snow goggles. Merquinsa's Bio TPUs are renewable-sourced (bio-content from 20% up to 90% according to ASTM D6866) and recyclable materials with properties very similar to petrochemically-based TPU, contributing to global warming reduction. According to an independent preliminary life cycle analysis, manufacturing Pearlthane® ECO contributes up to 40% less global warming emissions. Smith Optics has chosen Pearlthane® ECO because of its environmental benefits and due to its outstanding set of performance features, such as flexibility at low temperatures, robustness and ease of processing. The renewable-based content of the Bio TPU used in Smith Optics' ski goggles is 44% as certified by ASTM D6866.