In recent months, suppliers of raw materials that are used to manufacture Kynar have suffered shortages in the form of a force majeure, as well as a base resin being made obsolete altogether. 

Down the line, this prevents customers placing new orders on fittings that use this material. So, what can be done to mitigate issues when it comes to completing your project or getting goods out the door to your customers? 

Kynar, the trade name for PVDF plastic, is a tough, stable, and non-reactive thermoplastic that boasts abrasion resistance, low permeability, radiation resistance, and recyclability. These features make it an incredibly popular plastic for semiconductor, chemical processing, and medical industries.  

Unfortunately, this popularity means that when there is difficulty in supply, it has a greater knock-on effect. At The West Group, however, we can supply alternatives that possess similar compatibilities and could therefore help relieve the pressure you may be facing. The best suited alternative we recommend is Polypropylene. 

Polypropylene is an animal derivative free grade USP Class VI material which is formulated for use in biomedical, medical and bioprocess applications and is resistant to a wide range of solvents and chemicals. It is highly compatible with Ethylene Oxide (EtO) sterilisation, as well as gamma sterilisation in the range of 35-40 kGy. It can also be autoclaved for around 20 minutes at 121°C. 

We do offer other materials that have resistance to impact and temperature, as well as other suitability in industries where a more durable material is required.

These include: 

• Nylon
• Polycarbonate
• Radiation Stable Polycarbonate
• Lipid Resistant Radiation Stable Polycarbonate
• ABS
• Acrylic
• Copolyester