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Emerald Introduces Kalama™ K-FLEX® 975P Formulated to Optimize Adhesive Performance

CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH -- Emerald Kalama Chemical, a division of Emerald Performance Materials, announces a new plasticizer--Kalama™ K-FLEX® 975P, which is based upon the company's latest patent-pending technology. The K-FLEX 975P has been specifically formulated to optimize the performance of today's adhesives, PVC compounds, coatings and other latex polymers that are used around the globe. Kalama K-FLEX dibenzoate ester plasticizers are highly effective, low-VOC, non-phthalate, non-alkyl phenol ethoxylate (APE-free) plasticizers that are compatible with a wide range of polymers, including acrylic, styrene acrylic, styrene butadiene (SB), vinyl acetate (PVA), vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) systems.

"Kalama K-FLEX 975P provides superior performance and handling benefits for the formulator while offering a more environmentally friendly, low-VOC alternative than phthalate plasticizers and coalescents such as TXMB," said Shamsi Gravel, Emerald Kalama's product line manager for The Americas.

Formulators of coatings, plastisols and adhesives will readily notice the distinct benefits this product can bring to each of these applications. In plastisol applications, for instance, this product offers superior stain resistance, improved extraction resistance to solvents and oils, better fusion characteristics, lower fusion and gelation temperatures, and higher fused gel strength and wear layer toughness over general purposes phthalates. In coatings applications, the use of K-FLEX 975P results in improved freeze/thaw, wet edge (flat), scrub resistance, gloss while still offering comparable blocking resistance (semi-gloss).

"With K-FLEX 975P we have achieved what can often be a challenging balance, considering that coalescents, which are less volatile, remain in the film longer and have been known to have a negative impact on blocking," said Gravel. "Our adhesive customers will also appreciate the fact that the components are listed under FDA 21CFR175.105. K-Flex 975P also offers improved handling due to its lower freeze point as compared to other economical dibenzoate plasticizers."

Environmentally friendly K-Flex 975P is classified as non-hazardous under many country-specific implementations of the new UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) such as U.S (OSHA Hazcom 2012), Europe (CLP Regulation (EC) 1272/2008), Korea and Australia. The GHS is currently being adopted around the globe and is already in effect in certain countries. K-FLEX 975P is non-regulated under domestic and international transport regulations. In addition, unlike some other plasticizers, it is specially formulated so that it does not bear a "dangerous for the environment" symbol on the label under the newest European CLP "Regulation (EC) 1272/2008."

"The K-FLEX product line is considered more environmentally friendly than traditional phthalate plasticizers, because its dibenzoate ester chemistry is readily biodegradable--a key product attribute which is becoming more important for customers seeking greener chemistry," added Gravel. "Our K-FLEX product line also meets the requirements for certain FDA indirect food contact clearances and features such other favorable classifications as non-PBT (non-persistent, bioaccumulative or toxic). The absence of EU hazardous symbols on the product labels will make K-FLEX 975P a preferred and economical choice for many formulators."

Emerald Kalama Chemical also produces sodium and potassium benzoate, benzoic acid and intermediates, and specialty flavor and fragrance ingredients, which the company sells globally through its distribution partners. The business has manufacturing operations in Kalama, WA and in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Emerald Kalama Chemical products are used in a range of applications from beverage preservatives to personal care and household products, as well as industrial applications.

About Emerald Kalama Chemical

Emerald Kalama Chemical is a division of Emerald Performance Materials, LLC. Emerald produces and markets technologically advanced specialty chemicals for a broad range of food and industrial applications. Its products play a variety of roles in the products that are consumed and used every day enabling them to last longer, look, smell, taste or perform better. Emerald™ products are used in aerospace, food, beverages, cosmetics, toothpaste, household products, paint, tires, automobiles, sports gear and many other applications. Headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Emerald has four business units, eight operations and approximately 700 employees.

Source: Emerald Kalama Chemical

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