Rhodia contributes to waste reduction in the electronics industry with its new range of bio-based Polyamide, Technyl® eXten

Lyon, France – April 19, 2010 – Technyl® eXten, unveiled to the public on the occasion of the Chinaplas trade show currently underway in Shanghai, is already helping Rocket Electric Co. Ltd. – one of the world’s five largest manufacturers of battery cells – increase the service life of its AA and AAA ranges of alkaline batteries by up to 50%.

In addition to the environmental benefits related to the product’s bio-based origin – castor oil –, Technyl eXten has a higher level of performance than conventional engineering plastics.

Due to its extremely high chemical resistance and exceptional behavior during the molding and assembly of small parts, Technyl eXten increases performance stability over time.

Rocket drew specifically on this latter advantage to improve its manufacturing process.

“Rhodia’s capacity for innovation and the exceptional performance of Technyl eXten made it possible for us to offer our customers batteries that last 30 to 50% longer than was possible with conventional materials,” affirms Mr. DH Kim, Quality Technology Team Manager of Rocket Electric Co. Ltd.

Frank Laganier, Director of Rhodia Polyamide’s Engineering Plastics Business Unit for the Asia-Pacific region concluded: “Thanks to our expertise and the know-how of our teams, we have been able to capitalize on all the environmental benefits of the production life cycle made possible by the bio-sourced origin of Technyl eXten. Bio-based engineering plastics are poised to become the obvious choice in all technical products markets”.

With this new application, Rhodia once again reaffirms its stance as a responsible chemical company strongly committed to sustainable development by reducing waste in the electronics industry.

Reader enquiries