By Andre Oosterlaken
Market Development Manager, Envalior
Envalior showcased Arnitel® thermoplastic copolyester (TPC) materials at Pack Expo International 2024, highlighting applications across medical, food packaging, consumer goods, and building and construction industries. These high-performance materials are known for their breathability, moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), and eco-friendliness, offering durability and protection while meeting the highest industry standards.
Advanced materials and applications were showcased at Envalior’s booth during Pack Expo International in Chicago, Illinois, from November 3-6, 2024. Featured products included breathable films for medical, food packaging, consumer goods and building and construction industries, as well as solutions for respiratory tubing and medical gowns.
Our Arnitel® thermoplastic copolyester (TPC) materials are transforming industries with their ability to create monolithic breathable films and laminates. These materials offer exceptional moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), enhance comfort, protect against pathogens, and ensure breathability—all while being eco-friendly and ideal for extrusion processing.
Arnitel® has been a trusted material for more than 20 years in medical manufacturing: As a high-performance, polyester-based TPC elastomer, Arnitel-based monolithic films in multilayer gown constructions are rated AAMI Level 4—the highest standard for fluid and microbial barrier performance. This provides the utmost protection while maintaining a lightweight, breathable, and durable structure.
One of Arnitel®'s standout applications is in ventilator tubing. Envalior's Arnitel® VT, a high-performance copolyester elastomer, allows moisture to pass through the tube wall, reducing condensation and potentially eliminating the need for moisture traps. This innovation enhances safety, simplifies ventilator design, and offers durability and flexibility, all while being 100% recyclable. Envalior is committed to accelerating the development of next-generation respiratory tubing, supporting manufacturers in meeting rising demand and improving patient outcomes.
Sustainable and durable building solutions: In the building and construction sector, Arnitel® TPC is gaining traction as a water / weather resistive barrier, ideal for house wrap, roofing membranes, sealing tapes and carpet underlayments. This high-performance solution outperforms conventional microporous membranes. The Arnitel® VT series—VT3108, VT3104, and VT3118—offers a lighter, smarter, and sustainable alternative to traditional rubbers, helping to reduce environmental impact and system costs. These materials maximize energy efficiency and minimize carbon footprints in new buildings. Additionally, Arnitel®'s processing is more cost-effective compared to thermoplastic polyurethane-based membranes.
Breathable and waterproof materials for food packaging and consumer products: In the food packaging industry, Arnitel® stands out for its unique combination of flexibility, high-temperature resistance, strength, and excellent processing characteristics. It provides an ideal balance for controlling the application-specific gas mixtures of oxygen and carbon dioxide, while managing moisture inside the package. This prevents any condensation in the package or drying out, preventing rapid degradation/freshness of the fresh produce. This helps prevent condensation or drying, ensuring that fresh produce retains its quality and remains fresh for longer.
Additionally, Arnitel® is a reliable solution for outdoor clothing and other consumer products, such as shoe liners, that require breathability. This material outperforms conventional microporous membranes providing 100% waterproof performance, while keeping the wearer comfortable and dry, and it serves as a PFC-free alternative.
Market Development Manager
Andre Oosterlaken is responsible for New Market Development for the Arnitel product line at Envalior. In his global role, he helps engineering leaders in diverse industries improve performance by leveraging the unique material properties of Arnitel thermoplastic elastomers. He joined Envalior in 1986, serving in research and development, application engineering, business development, and marketing roles. Oosterlaken earned his bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry from the HU University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
20 November 2024
4 Minutes
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