PolyOne GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers has partnered with JonesZylon to deliver safer food serving products for correctional institutions. Both the companies have worked together to develop a specialty material that meets the safety requirements.
They have been looking for a cost-effective substitute for silicone that would deliver flexibility and address safety issues of the existing plastic service products. In addition, the companies required a material grade that would meet the food contact specifications of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
PolyOne offered a custom GLS thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which is an ideal alternative to produce safer serving trays. JonesZylon has used this custom material to produce its MAX-FLEX material, which is used for making serving trays with clear lids and other products.
The material offers several benefits, including flexibility, cost efficiency, enhanced properties, recyclability, formulation without bisphenol A (BPA), institutional dishwashing durability and easy removal of graffiti. PolyOne’s custom TPE material offers additional benefits to JonesZylon and its partner company, Controlled Molding, including the capability to utilize currently available molds from a prior line of copolymer solutions.
JonesZylon has been successful with the release of serving trays produced from MAX-FLEX material and the company’s sales continued to increase. The serving trays have temperature resistance ranging from -40º to 300ºF. The products are available in two colors: teal and chocolate.