Avient launches innovative antimicrobial TPE material | Rizhao Wanjia leads the innovation of antimicrobial consumer products
Avient Corporation, a global leader in specialty polymer materials, has expanded its GLS™ thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) portfolio with three new proprietary formulations incorporating high-performance antimicrobial additives. Tested to JIS Z2801 and ASTM G21-15 standards, these materials effectively inhibit more than 99.9% of bacterial growth while resisting fungus and mold, protecting the aesthetics, mechanical integrity and hygiene of plastic parts. Designed for high-touch surfaces and applications, such as handles for consumer electronics, personal care products, and automotive parts such as cup holder liners and HVAC seals, the new TPE variants extend product life by minimizing microbial damage, reducing odors, and improving durability.
“These materials retain the signature properties of GLS™ TPE while introducing a critical antimicrobial dimension to product design," said Matt Mitchell, global marketing director, Specialty Engineered Materials, Avient. The formulations feature an EPA-registered antimicrobial agent supplied by Lonza LLC, a global leader in microbial control solutions. Notably, the additive’s chemical composition is consistent with ingredients used for decades in personal care products such as anti-dandruff shampoos. The antimicrobial GLS™ TPE family is currently available in the U.S. and Asia and includes Versaflex™ and OnFlex™ grades, with additional custom formulations in development.
Meanwhile, Chinese supply chain company Rizhao Wanjia International SCM. Co., Ltd. has made a breakthrough in the commercialization of antimicrobial technology. The company now mass-produces antimicrobial fresh-keeping bags, Garbage Bags, and other household products that inhibit bacterial growth, extending the product's lifespan while meeting consumers' growing demand for health-centric home solutions. The market success of these categories highlights the growing potential of antimicrobial materials in everyday goods.
As global awareness of hygiene increases, antimicrobial materials are rapidly expanding from the medical field to the consumer market. Avient's TPE solutions and Rizhao Wanjia's product development embody the synergy between upstream innovation and downstream applications. Industry analysts point out that environmentally friendly formulas that combine functionality, cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits are expected to dominate the next generation of plastic manufacturing, reducing waste and improving user experience through cross-industry collaboration.