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Pixel Watch 5 Introduces 2nd Gen Active Band Made from HNBR to Reduce PFAS
Key points
- Pixel Watch 5 includes a "2nd Gen Active Band".
- New band material is Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR).
- HNBR reduces PFAS by over 99% compared to fluoroelastomer.
- The new band feels similar to the previous generation.
New Material for Pixel Watch 5 Active Band
The Pixel Watch 5 ships with a "2nd Gen Active Band" that utilizes a new material: Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR). This replaces the fluoroelastomer material used in previous generations of the Active Band. Google states the HNBR band also features a "soft-touch coating".
Addressing PFAS Concerns
The primary reason for the material change is to reduce the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals." While fluoroelastomer, the previous material, is generally considered safe, it contains PFAS. The new HNBR material achieves a "more than 99% reduction in PFAS," contributing to improved sustainability for the bands. This move aligns with broader industry efforts to phase out PFAS in products.
Material Properties and User Experience
HNBR is considered to be in the same class as fluoroelastomer in terms of durability. While HNBR is used in diving watches, it is not common in other smartwatches. Despite the material change, the new band reportedly feels similar to the first-generation Active Band, maintaining the user experience. Google has been preparing for this material switch for several years, indicating confidence in its long-term performance.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Google's Pixel Watch 5 features a new "2nd Gen Active Band" made from Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) with a soft-touch coating. This material change aims to reduce the presence of PFAS "forever chemicals" by over 99% compared to the previous fluoroelastomer bands, aligning with industry efforts to move away from these substances.