Ashland’s Envirez® resin technology now for tub and shower applications

DUBLIN, Ohio – No matter what color people choose for their bathtubs and showers, they can now all be ‘green’ – thanks to bio-resourced Envirez® resin technology from Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH). New Envirez LF 60380 resin, introduced at the American Composites Manufacturers Association annual meeting, contains more than 20 percent soy oil and other renewable resource content.

“We are very pleased to bring our Envirez resin technology to this market,” said Bob Moffit, product manager, Ashland Performance Materials. “Homebuilders, home improvement stores and others now have the opportunity to provide more sustainable alternatives to their customers.”

In addition to Envirez LF 60380 resin, Ashland has also introduced Enguard™ DSZ series of formulated gelcoats, which are based on the Envirez resin technology. The new gelcoat, which contains 13 percent renewable content, represents the first time Envirez resin technology has been used in a gelcoat. The gelcoat is designed to partner with Ashland’s new resin formulation to deliver excellent performance for filled laminating applications used in high production line speeds.

Ashland introduced bio-based composites into common building and construction components, such as tub and shower units, to meet a significant need for architects and builders who are focused on sustainable building programs. Components fabricated with Envirez LF resin and Enguard DSZ gelcoat can earn credits from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED*) program, a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. People interested in learning more about Envirez LF resins can contact Moffit at (614) 790-1715.

Ashland Performance Materials is the global leader in unsaturated polyester resins and vinyl ester resins.  In addition, it provides customers with leading technologies in gelcoats, pressure-sensitive and structural adhesives, and metal casting consumables and design services.

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provides specialty chemical products, services and solutions for many of the world’s most essential industries. Serving customers in more than 100 countries, it operates through five commercial units: Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution. To learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com. 

® Registered trademark, Ashland or its subsidiaries
* Registered trademark of a third party

New technology to be introduced at ACMA at Booth #617