Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc. (NYSE: “KRA”), a leading global producer of styrenic block copolymers or “SBCs,” and SO.F.TER. SPA, compounder specialized in the production of tailor-made thermoplastic elastomers and engineering solutions, in response to the demands of the automotive industry for lighter-weight, higher-performance, lower-cost, and more environmentally-sustainable solutions, announce the development of a new SBC-based alternative for slush molded interior soft skins.

Slush molding is a specialized processing operation traditionally designed for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based compounds to produce the interior surface of automobiles such as instrument panel skins, door panels, airbags and consoles.   

“Kraton Polymers and SO.F.TER. formed a strategic alliance to leverage the leading innovation and scientific capabilities of both companies. This resulted in the development of a superior and more environmentally-friendly alternative to PVC and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU)," said Michael Oberkirch, Vice President, Advanced Materials at Kraton Polymers.  

This development provides a major technology and performance leap for the automotive industry. Manufacturers can achieve significant improvements in low-temperature performance, fogging, and recyclability while still using existing slush molding equipment and standard processing conditions. An additional benefit is lowered manufacturing costs due to reduced service temperatures and decreased processing time.

“Our new product provides a 30 to 40% reduction in material weight, better aging properties, and improved soft touch compared to existing materials. These benefits help automotive manufacturers reduce the weight of vehicle components, while still enhancing aesthetics and performance,” added Oberkirch. “This is another example of innovation and collaborative customer relationships leading to a specialized product solution designed to meet ever-increasing market needs,” he concluded.  

For more information about this superior alternative for slush molded interiors, please contact Christian Kafka, Global Market Development Manager, Kraton Polymers, at christian.kafka@kraton.com, or Riccardo Meucci, Sales Director of SO.F.TER. TECNOPOLIMERI, at riccardo.meucci@softerspa.com.

To see, touch, and learn more about our new technology, please visit both companies at the 2010 KSHOW in Düsseldorf, Germany from October 27-November 3, 2010. Visit Kraton Polymers in Hall 6, Booth C80, or SO.F.TER. in Hall 6, Booth A58.

About Kraton

Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc., through its operating subsidiary Kraton Polymers LLC and its subsidiaries, is a leading global producer of engineered polymers and, we believe, the world's largest producer of styrenic block copolymers (“SBC’s”), a family of products whose chemistry was pioneered by us almost fifty years ago. SBC’s are highly-engineered thermoplastic elastomers, which enhance the performance of numerous products by delivering a variety of attributes, including greater flexibility, resilience, strength, durability and processability. Our polymers are used in a wide range of applications, including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants and lubricants, and medical, packaging, automotive, paving, roofing and footwear products. We currently offer approximately 800 products to more than 700 customers in over 60 countries worldwide, and are the only SBC producer with manufacturing and service capabilities on four continents. We manufacture products at five plants globally, including our flagship plant in Belpre, Ohio, as well as plants in Germany, France and Brazil, and a joint venture plant operated in Japan.

Kraton, the Kraton logo and design, and the “Giving Innovators their Edge” tagline are all trademarks of Kraton Polymers LLC.

 About SO.F.TER.

SO.F.TER. SPA develops and produces polymeric compounds for the manufacturing industry and is among the few specialists whose range of business goes from thermoplastic elastomers, to thermoplastic vulcanizates, to engineering plastics. Thanks to its world-class technological know-how SO.F.TER. can offer customized and integrated solutions, with a strong focus on the automotive, home appliances, building, electrical/electronic, footwear and sport industries. The SO.F.TER. Group has its headquarters in Forlì, Italy, with two production units in Mexico and Brazil. Products and Brands include Thermoplastic Elastomers: Forprene® (TPV), Forflex® (TPO), Laprene® (SEBS), Sofprene® (SBS), Sofpur® (TPU), Heraflex® P (TPO), Forgrin®, Terra® (TPE for turf infill), Pavprene® (bitumen modifier) and Engineering Plastics: Polifor® (PP), Pibifor® (PBT), Nylfor® (PA6, PA66), Abistir® (ABS), Stirofor® (HI-PS), Cabofor® (PC), Blendfor® (PC/ABS), Norfor® (PPO), Sanfor® (SAN). For more information about SO.F.TER. visit www.softerspa.com.