Hyperform® HPN-68Awarded Food Safety Approval In European Union

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved the use of Hyperform® HPN-68 for use in food applications, which means that this high-speed nucleating agent for polypropylene from Milliken & Company has now gained acceptance for food related applications virtually worldwide.

"Each of the regulatory bodies who have reviewed HPN-68 has determined that it can be used in contact with food under requested conditions of use," said Regina Harper regulatory affairs manager for Milliken & Company. "This approval covers all of the countries in the European Union and follows similar approvals in the United Statesand Asia."

Regulatory approvals allow Milliken to market Hyperform as safe for use in food contact materials at levels of up to .25 % in PP and HDPE under all conditions of use. Additionally, it can be used in linear low-density polyethylene applications up to 100 degrees Celsius.

Hyperform HPN-68 is a high-speed nucleating agent for polypropylene that offers extremely fast crystallization rates, resulting in improved processing speed and productivity gains of as much as 30 percent.

HPN-68 also enhances product quality through improved dimensional stability, reduced warpage and physical property balance for injection and extrusion processes with polypropylene. Its applications range widely, from automotive door panels and pipe fittings to plastic food containers.

"Obtaining regulatory approvals for food safety opens up applications for Hyperform on a worldwide basis," said Jeff Jones, Ph.D., global marketing manager for Milliken Chemical's Hyperform product line. "Worldwide acceptance is an important advantage to our customers who can develop consistent product formulations on a global basis using Hyperform."