Continuing to redefine diversity and technology in the plastics industry after recent merger

The future of one-stop plastics innovation is coming to NPE 2024, the largest plastics industry trade show in the Americas, from May 6 through 10 in Orlando, Florida. Asahi Kasei Plastics North America (APNA) will highlight new technologies, such as its 3D printing filament line, at booth S14012. The Asaclean group – a purging compound product line of APNA – will be in the West Hall at booth W2181. APNA will showcase its streamlined process for customers to meet manufacturing needs without requiring multiple vendors.

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Mockup of the Asahi Kasei NPE 2024 booth. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The latest announcement from APNA involved the launch of a new 3D printing product. At NPE, APNA will showcase multiple filaments from their award-winning resins for the first time. These products meet customers' needs in an industry that has become increasingly prominent within industrial, aerospace, and automotive manufacturing processes.

The first line of the new filaments is made from XYRON™, APNA’s modified polyphenylene ether resin (m-PPE), known for its excellent balance of heat resistance and impact strength. This material replaces polycarbonate–acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS), and polyetherimide (PEI) alternatives in various applications. The second line is made from Thermylene® polypropylene (PP) resin and offers high strength and stiffness, does not require drying, and has lower warpage compared to traditional unfilled polypropylene alternatives.

APNA will also unveil a dedicated sustainability kiosk at its booth, showcasing its feed stream diversity and new recycled grade series. Thermylene® R polypropylene compounds are the first of the series, which aim to lower carbon footprints while providing lower density, chemical resistance, and superior strength. Thermylon® R polyamide compounds are also designed to reduce carbon footprint and offer benefits like high-temperature use and stiffness for metal replacement applications. Both lines aim to address the growing sustainability needs of the industry, so experts will be available to discuss post-industrial or post-consumer recycled options to help with circular feed stream initiatives.

“Everyone comes to NPE to see the latest innovations, and we are excited to show our strength as a leader in the industry with resin technology, 3D printing filaments, and purging compounds under one structure,” said Phani Nagaraj, President at APNA. “Our booths provide a great opportunity to see these products up close and better understand how we’re continually pushing the limits of what’s possible across many different industries and applications.”

Through the Asaclean Purging Compounds merger, APNA has created a streamlined process for purchasers to acquire pellets and purging compounds in one place—improving the purchasing experience and increasing efficiency. For relevant user experience and a live demo space, the Asaclean brand will have a separate booth showcasing its PLUS Grade purging concentrate at the show. PLUS Grade is a high-performance, recyclable purging concentrate that addresses the solution of blending seamlessly with processors’ production resins.

Tying in plastic technology diversity, the Asahi Kasei TPS Elastomer Division will display the latest advancements in state-of-the-art S.O.E. products within APNA’s booth. This group will introduce a new line that aims to offer unparalleled processibility, abrasion resistance, enhanced damping properties, and improved adhesiveness by enhancing the features of S.O.E. The addition will expand the industries for which this product can be used, broadening the overall applications while providing key benefits derived from an advanced TPS structure.

Attendees are invited to visit the APNA and Asaclean booths at NPE 2024 to explore new products, witness live demos, and find out about the company’s latest developments, including APNA’s recognition as a Best Place to Work for the 10th consecutive year.

Learn more about APNA’s 3D printing filament line and Asaclean, along with Asahi Kasei’s broader commitment to creating for tomorrow.

About Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, Inc. (APNA)

Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, Inc. (“APNA”) is a leading manufacturer of innovative, high-performance, engineered polymers and chemically coupled polypropylene resins in North America. The product line includes XYRON (modified polyphenylene ether), Thermylene (specialty chemically coupled polypropylene), LEONA (nylon 6/6, 6/6+6i), TENAC (homopolymer and copolymer acetal), Thermylon (nylon 6, 6/6), and Asaclean (purging compounds and concentrates). APNA currently has four locations in North America and over 350 employees. For more information, visit https://www.akplastics.com.

About Asahi Kasei

The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 48,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the world’s challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. For more information, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com.

Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/.

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