Kraiburg TPE develops 73% sustainable elastomer for automotive market

Waldkraiburg, Germany – Kraiburg TPE has released a new range of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) that contain at least 73% recycled content.

The new ‘recycling content TPE for automotive’ series has been designed to fulfil “a variety of technical applications”, said Kraiburg TPE in a 22 Feb statement.

The recipe developed by Kraiburg TPE combines various recycled raw materials, which the compounder says “guarantees at least 73% recycled content over a range of hardness ratings (20 to 95 Shore A)”.

Compared to equivalent virgin compounds, the compound represents a 25% reduction in carbon footprint, Kraiburg TPE added.

Other beneficial properties include “a soft-touch surface and controlled level of emissions and odour, making the range suitable for automotive interiors.”

The compounds are also claimed to meet the requirements of other automotive interior, exterior and powertrain applications – including inlays/anti slip mats, cowls, running-board mats and air-guide elements.

In its announcement, Kraiburg TPE said it had signed a supply agreement with e-mobility supplier Tessi Supply, which will use the grades to produce inlay cases and floor mats.

The latest material will replace current ‘interior PIR TPE ranges’ this year and will be available to customers in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

According to Kraiburg TPE, all recycled raw material components have been “carefully researched and developed to provide more sustainable gains without sacrificing on performance.”

Kraiburg TPE the new elastomers respond to demands from automotive manufacturers facing increasing regulatory and public pressure to switch to sustainable materials.

For instance, it said, new EU regulatory proposals on circular vehicle design and end-of-life vehicle management target a recycled-material average of 25% per car.

This should also include a 6.25% content from closed-loop post-consumer recycled (PCR) sources, added Kraiburg TPE, noting that it also provides carbon footprint values for such materials.