Thermoplastic copolyester delivers human touch for consumer electronics

24-Jan-13

Arnitel© Eco thermoplastic copolyester from DSM has been used successfully in soft touch surfaces by a world leading manufacturer of consumer electronics. Applied to the surface using a 2K molding technique, enabling cost efficient mass production, Arnitel Eco helps to create an almost skin-like feeling to the surfaces of electronic devices, like notebooks and tablets. The application represents the first use in consumer electronics of this breakthrough material. Arnitel Eco is a high performance thermoplastic copolyester (TPC) with 20-50% of its content derived from renewable resources. These renewable resources are made from rapeseed oil. Arnitel Eco delivers a carbon footprint reduction of up to 50% when compared to classic copolyester solutions, thus supporting the need of brand owners for more sustainable material solutions. Francis Aussems, Project Manager Bio-Polyesters for DSM, says: “In consumer electronics, there is a growing awareness of more sustainable material solutions. DSM is at the forefront with the the development of halogen free materials for cables and connectors, the introduction of recycled materials, and, last but not least, the introduction of bio-based polymers like Arnitel Eco and EcoPaXX®.”