Avient Launches Natural‑Looking TPE Wine Corks with New Special‑Effect Masterbatch

Avient has unveiled a cutting‑edge special‑effect masterbatch that transforms thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) into wine corks that look and feel like genuine natural cork. Distributed under the Renol and Remafin brands, the formula was engineered by Avient ColorWorks in Merate, Italy, and has already proven its efficacy in pilot runs with Marfran Srl’s TPE compounds.

Francesco Francheschetti, president of Marfran Srl (formerly Francesco Franceschetti Elastomeri), explained that the initial trials focused on a family of TPE blends already familiar to the wine‑cork market. “The new masterbatch package from Avient lets us enter the wine‑cork segment with a Marfran TPE and foaming agent that meets all food‑contact regulations while delivering the authentic visual character of real cork,” he said. “It also provides excellent moldability and withstands sterilisation, and early feedback from key industry players has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The masterbatch produces a distinct light‑brown swirl and random black specks on each cork, closely emulating the texture of natural cork. The formulation satisfies FDA and EU food‑contact standards, can be manufactured with existing injection‑molding equipment, and remains cost‑competitive with traditional corks.

Daniele Conti, a polymer scientist at ColorWorks, noted that industry trends are driving a shift away from natural cork. “Climate change and drought are reducing cork‑tree yields, and limited supplies create volatility. Natural cork—and even ground‑cork blends—can allow oxygen ingress, potentially spoiling wine.” He added, “TPE corks avoid these issues, but consumers still value the look of real cork. Our special‑effect masterbatch delivers that aesthetic while retaining TPE’s superior performance.”