Solvay Obtains Extensive Drinking Water Contact Approvals of its Technyl® Portfolio for Plumbing Applications

SHANGHAI, China, April 24, 2016 – Solvay Engineering Plastics, a world leader in polyamide-based performance materials, today announced that its entire range of Technyl® PA6.6 and Technyl® eXten PA6.10 materials for plumbing applications has obtained full drinking water contact approvals from the following leading certification authorities: NSF-61 (U.S.); WRAS (UK); ACS (France); KTW and W270 (Germany).

Solvay is one of the few material suppliers worldwide to offer full European and American certification. This comprehensive compliance uniquely positions Solvay to globally support customers seeking specific local regulatory clearances for plumbing parts in contact with potable water. Typical end products in this market include pumps, water meters, manifolds, fittings and valves as well as boilers, filters and other plumbing components. In addition, Technyl® PA6.6 materials are FDA approved and all Technyl products in the plumbing portfolio meet European Regulation (EU) 10/2011 as amended for materials intended to come into contact with food.

“Very few industries impose more stringent standards than plumbing in terms of safety and health, especially with respect to choosing materials for products and components coming into contact with water. We’re dedicated to working with our customers to design solutions which protect end-users from potential hazardous substances coming from drinking water systems.” said Wilson Chan, Global C&E (Consumer & Electrical) Market Director for Solvay Engineering Plastics. “Choosing our Technyl® plumbing materials with complete certification in place can significantly shorten the product design and approval time for global manufacturers.”

Customers in the plumbing industry are increasingly looking for solutions that will help them address cost and performance challenges in this demanding and regulated environment. PA-based Technyl® products from Solvay Engineering Plastics leverage the company’s expertise in metal replacement, providing a number of key benefits over conventional plumbing materials such as brass, copper, non-alloy steel and aluminum. They eliminate the risk of galvanic corrosion associated with these metals reduce cost and facilitate compliance with tighter regulations on permissible levels of lead in drinking water.

In addition to achieving certification, Solvay Engineering Plastics has passed another major milestone in the plumbing market thanks to its commitment to helping customers with innovative solutions. Solvay is one of the first companies to offer an innovative PA6.10 material specifically formulated for the plumbing market. Solvay’s Technyl® eXten (PA 6.10) materials provide all the same benefits as PA6.6, plus lower water-uptake, yielding exceptional dimensional stability and chlorine resistance while maintaining strong mechanical performance. The added benefits of PA 6.10 materials enable using these polyamides in more demanding applications than standard PA 6.6 materials, notably with higher temperatures and providing longer product life. 

Solvay supports its customers with an extensive service package from appropriate material selection through advanced design simulation and physical part performance testing. Substantial resources have been invested in dedicated research and development laboratories to speed up time to market and meet the ever increasing performance demands of the global plumbing market.

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Photos caption:

As one of only few polyamide suppliers, Solvay Engineering Plastics has obtained extensive drinking water contact approvals across its entire range of Technyl® PA6.6 and Technyl® eXten PA6.10 materials for plumbing applications.                     One of many applications for Technyl ® in plumbing systems is the replacement of meter housings manufactured from brass and other high end plastics.

(Photos courtesy Solvay Engineering Plastics)
   

         Brass water meter housing and polymer replacement 

using Technyl® A 218W 50 Black FA (PA6.6)

Fully assembled plastic water meter using 

Technyl® A 218W 50 Black FA (PA6.6)

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Solvay Engineering Plastics is the global specialist in polyamide-based engineering plastics, with more than 60 years of experience in the development, manufacture and marketing of a complete range of high-performance materials under the Technyl® brand for demanding applications in automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, consumer goods and other markets. With a growth strategy bolstered by six production sites worldwide, Solvay Engineering Plastics employs its expertise and innovation capabilities in order to serve the needs of its customers more closely through a global network of technical and R&D centers. Learn more on Technyl® brand atwww.technyl.com.

About Solvay

An international chemical and advanced materials company,SOLVAYassists its customers in innovating, developing and delivering high-value, sustainable products and solutions which consume less energy and reduce CO2 emissions, optimize the use of resources and improve the quality of life. Solvay serves diversified global end markets, including automotive and aerospace, consumer goods and healthcare, energy and environment, electricity and electronics, building and construction as well as industrial applications. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with about 30,000 employees spread across 53 countries. It generated pro forma net sales of €12.4 billion in 2015,with 90% made from activities where it ranks among the world’s top 3 players. Solvay SA (SOLB) is listed on Euronext in Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg:SOLB:BB– Reuters:SOLB.BR).