Minnesota Rubber and Plastics (MRP) introduced a new portfolio of materials specifically formulated to meet all of the major regulations for food and beverage contact. These materials are now available with certified compliance to the European Commission framework regulation EC 1935/2004, US FDA Title 21 CFR, and NSF Standard 61 and 51. These regulations apply to rubber and plastic materials that are intended to come in prolonged contact with beverages, milk, yogurt, ice cream, potable water, and other food.
This MRP portfolio includes EPDM and FKM so end users can choose the material best suited for their specific application. The portfolio offers food and beverage process equipment manufacturers compounds that can be used globally, simplifying the supply chain for equipment exports worldwide, and assuring regulatory compliance.
"With the introduction of this comprehensive material portfolio, MRP again demonstrates its leadership and commitment to the food and beverage processing industries,” says Lih Fang Chew, Minnesota Rubber and Plastics’ global vice president of marketing. “These new materials offer outstanding performance, along with the highest purity, to comply with the most stringent global regulations."
The MRP portfolio includes the following materials:
Qmonix™ 558CH is a high purity, high performance EPDM product which can be used in demanding food process applications. Qmonix 558CH exhibits excellent performance in both hot and cold process applications, and has excellent chemical resistance. It is also resistant to both ozone and UV used in sanitization processes. Standard durometer as formulated is 70 shore A. Qmonix 558CH is also certified to NSF Standard 51.
FKM 51 SCG is a highly fluorinated, carbon backbone polymer recommended for demanding applications. It resists harsh chemical and ozone attack with a thermal stability to 500°F (262°C). FKM 515CG also offers low compression set and excellent aging characteristics. The material provides excellent service in concentrated syrups, alcohols, acids and sanitizing chemicals. Standard durometer as formulated is 70 shore A. FKM 515CG is also certified to NSF Standard 51.
NBR 536EG was developed to withstand environments that require low compression set, abrasion resistance and low temperature performance. It is inherently resistant to oils found in food products such as milk and yogurt. NBR 536EG has been formulated with less than 10 percent carbon black to meet regulations stipulating this requirement. Standard durometer as formulated is 70 shore A. NBR 536EG is also certified to NSF Standard 51.
Typical applications for the new material portfolio include beverage dispensing equipment for soft drinks, water, and frozen drinks. Equipment used to serve frozen dairy products like yogurt and ice cream are ideal applications. Any type of liquid filling or packaging equipment using seals can benefit from the use of these materials. All seals used in pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and other process machine components can use the materials to comply with global regulations.
