Freudenberg introduces O-ring compound for safe drinking water
Weinheim, Germany – Global sealing manufacturer Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has developed a new 70 EPDM 335DW compound for O-rings. This material is designed to meet stringent drinking water application requirements, ensuring protection for both health and the environment. The O-rings from 70 EPDM 335DW have obtained all relevant market approvals for, making them suitable for global drinking water use.\Water is a valuable resource, and global climate change has increased the need for safe drinking water. According to a 2024 report by UNESCO, 2.2 billion people worldwide live without access to clean drinking water and 3.5 billion lack access to safely managed sanitation. This is where solutions like the Freudenberg Sealing Technologies’ O-ring made from the 70 EPDM 335DW compound are needed: This material is specifically designed for drinking water applications, ensuring the protection of public health and the environment.
The new O-ring compound offers several advantages, which ensures a long service life and reliable sealing function. It also boasts heat resistance, withstanding hot water, steam, and hot air up to +150°C, while remaining effective in cold conditions down to -50°C (static). Additionally, an external O-ring research laboratory has tested for copper compatibility and did not find any copper-induced autoxidation.
“The compound demonstrates good aging resistance and is suitable for drinking and process water, hot water, superheated steam, silicone oils,” said Klaus Schmieder, Segment Manager at Freudenberg Sealing Technologies. “These characteristics make it an ideal choice for clean drinking water applications, where durability and safety are paramount.”
O-Rings made of 70 EPDM 335DW are tested and certified according to norms like KTW-BWGL, DIN EN 681-1, ÖNORM B5014, EN 16421, CE1935/2004, WRAS BS6920, AS/NZS 4020, FDA §177.2600, KIWA BRL-K17504 and NSF/ANSI 61. Applications requiring ACS certification (Attestation de Conformité Sanitaire) are currently covered by a CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) certificate valid for O-rings smaller than 63 mm. The full ACS certification for larger O-rings is currently being tested.
Looking towards the future, the O-ring material 70 EPDM 335DW is not only certified according to the current evaluation criteria for plastics and other organic materials in contact with drinking water (KTW-BWGL). For the first time, uniform requirements will be set for materials in contact with drinking water and the approval will be recognized within the various independent testing institutes within the EU. The material 70 EPDM 335DW has also been tested regarding the currently available European Positive List. Its composition already meets these new European legislation requirements (Directive (EU) 2020/2184) and is recognized by independent testing institutes across the EU.
“Obtaining these certifications is essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of our products,” explains Schmieder. “The rigorous testing and compliance with international standards demonstrate our commitment to providing high-quality materials that protect public health and meet the demands of modern drinking water systems.” By providing a reliable and durable sealing solution, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies contributes to the conservation of water resources and the protection of the environment.
Schmieder commented on the new material: “The development of the 70 EPDM 335DW O-ring compound is a significant achievement for our team. We have rigorously tested this material to ensure it meets the highest standards for drinking water applications. Our goal is to provide reliable and safe solutions that contribute to the well-being of communities worldwide.”