SABIC Innovative Plastics' Ultem* Resin Serves Up High-End Performance for Food Handling Equipment, Saving Time and Money

Extreme high-heat Extem resins: the world’s highest heat amorphous thermoplastic polyimide is now available in the food processing industry with new grades offering a powerful combination of outstanding elevated thermal resistance up to 267C Tg, that will comply with European Union (EU) and U.S. FDA food contact approvals in late 2010.

Transparent, colorable Ultem 1000E resin: features fast mold release and FDA/NSF compliance. This grade delivers enhanced processability by reducing the time required to eject the tool by up to 60 percent and accelerating flow by up to 15 percent. It also maintains transparency and color at high temperatures up to 217C Tg. Key applications include food service pans, trays and utensils.

Ultem resin blends: offer transparent and thin wall flow, while maintaining U.S. FDA and EU food contact compliancy along with NSF51 recognition. This lower temp alternative to Ultem 1000E resin is available in custom colors and offers value-balanced performance for key applications such as utensils, microwave cookware, and appliances.

Heat resistance for microwave cooking: Ultem resin retains its full strength, stiffness and dimensional stability under exposure to the high temperatures of microwave cooking.

Stain resistance and ease of cleaning: Staining often leads to a perception of poor quality and sanitary concerns. By maintaining its attractive appearance even after exposure to oils, tomato sauce, mustard and other stain agents, and repeated automatic dishwasher cycles, Ultem resin provides longer-term customer satisfaction.

Chemical resistance to foods and detergents: Ultem resin withstands extended exposure to various cleaning agents and food groups without crazing, cracking or losing its as-molded physical properties.

Safety in handling: Ultem resin is cooler to the touch than metals, glass and most other plastics, and is not likely to chip or break as glass can.