Avient expands non-halogen flame-retardant TPE portfolio

Avient announced the expansion of its OnFlex NHFR non-halogen flame retardant thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) with the NHFR 7001 series. Compared to prior-generation non-halogen OnFlex materials from Avient, the new materials in this series provide enhanced flame retardancy for plastic products while also offering customers improved mechanical performance and cost efficiency.

The OnFlex NHFR 7001 Series addresses growing regulatory requirements and customer demand for non-halogenated flame-retardant materials. Developed to help manufacturers comply with European Chemical Agency (ECHA) flame retardant guidance, these materials meet UL 94 V-0 performance standards and comply with REACH and RoHS requirements.

The OnFlex NHFR 7001 Series features:
- high flexibility, that is useful for applications requiring durability throughout the product lifecycle; 
- minimal blooming, supporting long-term appearance and performance stability;
- low moisture absorption, that helps maintaining consistent properties in various environments; 
- REACH and RoHS compliance, meeting current requirements under these European Union regulatory standards.

Application areas include industries such as automotive, electronics, consumer goods, and construction, where durability and fire safety are important considerations. Examples include moulded case circuit breaker phase barriers, door gasket profiles, electric vehicle charging grips, and power tool battery packs.

Compared to traditional alternatives such as soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the OnFlex NHFR 7001 Series offers comparable flexibility while helping maintain mechanical performance over time. In addition, the non-halogenated formulation can help reduce smoke density during combustion compared to conventional soft PVC or halogenated FR TPE solutions. They also can be formulated to incorporate recycled materials, helping customers support their sustainability goals.

“The OnFlex NHFR 7001 Series represents our continued response to evolving regulatory requirements and market needs, aligning with our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Hermann Fuechter, Sr. Marketing & Product Manager EMEA, Specialty Engineered Materials at Avient. “This addition to our portfolio helps customers seeking ECHA-compliant, non-halogenated flame-retardant TPE solutions without compromising performance or cost-effectiveness.”