PolyOne, Schneider Electric partner on BipBop program

POLYONE GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers will partner with Schneider Electric and Mobiya, a part of Schneider Electric’s Business, for the Investment and People for the Bottom of the Pyramid (BipBop) program.

The GLS Versaflex (TM) TPE from PolyOne will be used in Schneider Electric’s Mobiya (TM) TS 120, a portable, solar-powered LED lamp featuring lighting and mobile phone charging functionality.

The Versaflex TPE meets the requirements of Schneider Electric’s designers for a globally available material with ‘water clarity’ to enable users to see the glow-in-the-dark switch even in pitch-black conditions. It also matches the requirement of Mobiya TS 120 for a material that can return to its original shape even after repeated flexing and at the same time withstand tearing and scratching.

The Versaflex TPE features a soft-touch gripping and sealing surface for the lamp’s glow-in-the-dark, three-stage power switch and the mobile phone charging outlet. It also complies with the European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive and stringent UL flame ratings.

PolyOne worked with designers at Schneider Electric to select the material and supported testing at the Schneider Electric R&D center in India. Its technical support and material innovations helped the latter accelerate the development of its concept of providing affordable light and power to people who do not have access to clean, safe, and sustainable energy.

“We are pleased to help Schneider Electric bring the basic necessity of light and power to those who need it,” said Walter Ripple, vice president and general manager, PolyOne GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers. Mr. Ripple added that the Versaflex TPE is ideal for the demanding environments in which Mobiya is used with its combination of usability, durability, and aesthetics.

According to Schneider Electric Sustainability senior vice president Gilles Vermot Desroches, “This is an excellent example of how collaboration and innovation are driving meaningful products that improve the quality of life with safe, affordable off the grid lighting.”