Conventus Polymers LLC, a leading distributor of high-performance engineering thermoplastics, has reached an agreement to become an exclusive distributor for Kumho Polychem, a leading supplier of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) based in Seoul, South Korea. Conventus is selling Kumho Polychem’s line of Innoprene TPVs in North America, effective August 20, 2018.
“We welcome this new distribution arrangement, which expands portfolio options for our customers,” said John Jorgensen, President of Conventus Polymers. “This new offering will enable us to cost effectively compete in the TPE space which is one of the fastest-growing segments in the plastics industry.”
Jorgensen said Kumho Polychem is a recognized supplier with high-quality products that are uniquely positioned in Conventus Polymers’ portfolio of materials. “Our strategy to align our business with global industry leaders is further solidified by this agreement with Kumho Polychem,” said Jorgensen. Conventus will provide all technical marketing, account management, application development, and customer service support.
Kumho Polychem’s Innoprene TPV line includes 43 grades which are targeted for seal, gasket, cover, and hose applications for the automotive, industrial, electrical, sporting goods, and furniture markets. The grades range in hardness from 45 to 93 Shore A and up to 40 Shore D. These materials will complement Conventus Polymers’ line of TPEs which includes copolyester grades from LG Chem, Seoul, South Korea. Innoprene TPVs compete directly with ExxonMobil Chemical’s SantopreneTM TPV and Teknor Apex’s Sarlink® TPV.
Amidst tight supply and extended lead times for TPUs this year, Jorgensen noted that Kumho Polychem’s TPVs may be suitable as a replacement option in some applications. The TPV line meets automotive specifications and is used by some of the industry’s leading Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs.
Kumho Polychem operates a 12,000-metric-ton production plant in Yeosu, South Korea, and a research and development facility in Daejeon.
About Kumho Polychem
Kumho Polychem Co., Ltd. manufactures and sells EP(D)M in South Korea. The company’s EP(D)M is the terpolymer of ethylene, propylene, and a non-conjugated diene with residual unsaturation in the side chain, which is used in car components, material for electricity/cable insulation coating, construction roofing sheet, and tire tube and rubber material for general industry. Kumho Polychem also provides Innoprene, a thermoplastic elastomer used in automobile glass run channels and construction window gaskets. The INNOPRENE 5000 TPV Series is designed for automotive airbag door covers, such as DAB, SAB, PAB, and KAB. KEPA 1130 is a special high polymer rubber. The company was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. Kumho Polychem Co., Ltd. is a joint venture of Kumho Petrochemical Co. Ltd. and JSR Corp.
About Conventus Polymers LLC
Conventus Polymers LLC, based in Parsippany, N.J., is a global specialty thermoplastics distributor and formulator, offering the broadest portfolio of high-performance and ultra-polymers. Due to its highly focused approach within strategic vertical markets, the company offers deep expertise and forms close partnerships with industry leading OEMs to solve problems, develop new applications, and introduce the latest polymeric technologies. Conventus actively partners with producers who invest in and develop the world’s next generation of thermoplastic materials. The company has a proven track record of bringing the latest resin technologies to its customers. It consults with its customers on their new product introductions from material to design to supply chain.
