FULDA, Germany—Textile producer Mehler Engineered Products Group has released a sustainable alternative to established RFL (resorcinol, formaldehyde, latex) treatments.
MehlerSustainAdhesive is based on the organic biopolymer Lignin and a latex component, Mehler said in a news release. Both ingredients are extracted from wood and obtain CO2 neutrally. MSA can be applied for all mechanical rubber goods and provides excellent adhesion to different kinds of rubber compounds like NR, SBR, NBR, CR or EPDM, the company said.
"Our MSA treatment consists of natural components—and it is an ideal replacement of conventional treatments without affecting the production processes of our customers," Elisabete Silva, head of innovation at the Portuguese production plant, said in the release. "Also, the properties of the final end products remain the same."
MSA is Mehler's answer to the increased requirements and restrictions on the market to replace the chemicals formaldehyde and resorcinol.
"With this innovation, Mehler is making a great contribution to a more sustainable future," CEO Christian Meunier said. "Thanks to the decreased consumption of sensitive chemicals, we reduce our environmental footprint significantly and we are further strengthening our social responsibility at the same time."
Mehler still offers conventional RFL treatments, but "maintains an intense focus on green initiatives like the MSA solution," it said. MSA is applicable for both engineered yarns and fabrics.
The New Products blog showcases innovations suppliers are introducing to the rubber industry. It focuses on new materials, machinery, molds, testing equipment, software, and other goods and services that are intended to help manufacturers of finished rubber products. The blog will appear on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To have your product considered for the blog, contact Managing Editor Erin Pustay Beaven at [email protected] or Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].