August 28, 2018

Parsippany, NJ–based Conventus Polymers LLC, a distributor of high-performance engineering thermoplastics, has reached an agreement to become an exclusive distributor for Kumho Polychem’s line of thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) in North America. The agreement took effect Aug. 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 thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) space, which is one of the fastest-growing segments in the plastics industry.”

Jorgensen added that Kumho Polychem, which is based in Seoul, South Korea, is a recognized supplier of 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,” he said. Conventus will provide all technical marketing, account management, application development and customer service.

Kumho Polychem’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 automotive 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 that includes 43 grades targeted for seal, gasket, cover and hose applications in the automotive, industrial, electrical, sporting goods and furniture markets. The grades range in hardness from 45 to 92 Shore A and up to 40 Shore D. These materials will complement Conventus Polymers’ line of TPEs, which include copolyester grades from LG Chem. Innoprene TPVs compete directly with ExxonMobil Chemical’s Santoprene TPV and Teknor Apex’s Sarlink TPV.