Thermoplastic elastomers offer a PVC- and latex-free alternative

. In response to the demand for products containing no allergenic proteins or plasticized PVC, GLS Corp. (McHenry, IL; 815/385-8500) has developed a new line of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). New medical grade TPEs offer clarity, high temperature resistance, and tensile and tear strength. Extrusion grades 223-007 and 223-008 offer kink-resistance and snap-back features. 224-060, an injection molding grade, provides tear strength and can withstand boiling. Grades are available at 57, 63, and 77 Shore A, and are fully customizable in hardness ranges of Shore A 50–80.