Hexpol AB, the Swedish materials firm, has added new compounds to its Dryflex Green family of bio-based thermoplastic elastomers, creating more sustainability opportunities. The bio-based content in Dryflex Green compounds can derive from various raw materials such as fillers, polymers, plasticizers or additives. For applications requiring a look closer to nature, Hexpol has produced compounds utilizing organic fillers and natural fibers from plants, crops or trees, including cork. Hexpol AB’s global R&D coordinator Klas Dannäs said, “The use of cork and natural fibers helps to give an additional ‘organic’ appearance…With these new development, we have created more possibilities for design and sustainability.” Company officals added that cork is a natural product coming from the bark of the cork oak tree. The removal of the bark does not hurt the trees and the bark is only harvested after the first 20 years of growth. Each cork tree offers on average 16 harvests over its lifespan of 150-200 years. Dryflex Green TPE compounds can be processed by injection molding and extrusion. They are typically applied for soft-touch grips and handles, tools and hardware, sports equipment and packaging.