Materials: First-Ever TPE to Resist Blue Jean Staining

A new TPE alloy is aimed at leading phone case brand owners who have been searching for a blue jean resistant material. Said to be the first-ever of its kind to resist this type of staining for white and light-colored phone cases, CE 3320-70 is the latest addition to the Versaflex proprietary line of TPE alloys from PolyOne Corp., Avon Lake, Ohio. According to the company, brands using silicone or TPU materials have sought an alternative for numerous reason, including long sourcing lead times and manufacturing challenges for silicone and the inability of TPU to endure blue jeans contact without staining.

PolyOne tested the new TPE’s effectiveness using the same rigorous test methodology used to measure blue jean staining on automotive car seats. The material showed no signs of staining, equal to that of the industry benchmark—a branded white silicone case. Too, the Versaflex CE TPE has been shown to provide the performance manufacturers expect from a consumer material. It stands up to sunscreen, hand sanitizer and isopropyl alcohol while enduring UV light. This recyclable thermoplastic also processes faster than silicones and adheres well to PC when overmolded. The new Versaflex offering can be pre-colored to specifications or used with a PolyOne OnColor colorant. You can test the new TPE by requesting a sample.