Owens Corning releases glass fibre solution for changing EC regulations

European regulations for glass fibre used in materials for food and drinking water contact are changing. To help kitchen appliance and food processing equipment manufacturers comply with the new regulations, Owens Corning has developed FoodContact, a glass fibre solution for reinforced plastic.

The company says it is the first product available on the market that meets the 2016 European Commission regulations for glass fibre sizing, chemical make-up and good manufacturing practices (GMP).

“Developing an understanding of the markets and regulations early has positioned us to help our customers reduce risk of disruption as they work to comply,” said Steve Zirkel, Owens Corning Composite Solutions Business Director of Global Thermoplastics.

FoodContact is designed for use in consumer appliance and food manufacturing products such as kitchen utensils and kitchenware, coffee machines, food preparation equipment, ingredient holding tanks and drinking water systems. It is available as glass fibre replacement in the form of a chopped strand for use in thermoplastic resins.

Owens Corning said the reinforcements were developed to perform well in high-temperature resins such as PPS and LCP as well as PPO, PA and polyester-based resins PBT and PET.

“The GMP requirements will hold companies to a greater level of accountability across their entire supply chain,” said Zirkel. “With the Owens Corning FoodContact products, formulators and manufacturers can be confident they are in compliance with the European Commission standards and delivering a high level of performance.”