KRAIBURG TPE Introduces New Solutions to Advance the Plastics Circular Economy

Turkchem 01 Apr 2021 70 2 dk okuma

TURKCHEM

KRAIBURG TPE is introducing a new compound series that will enable European OEMs to use optimum materials for future exterior automotive applications. Highlight: Compounds containing at least 20% post-industrial recycled materials meet OEMs' high requirements and contribute to building a circular plastic economy. At first glance, European OEMs' sustainability strategies are as diverse as their product ranges - but on closer inspection, they all share the same underlying idea: promoting the establishment of a regenerative economic system and reducing CO2 emissions. Materials recyclability plays a decisive role here, as plastics make a positive contribution to the project. To support OEMs in taking initial steps in this direction, KRAIBURG TPE is presenting a new compound series that enables suppliers to produce components in the normal and required quality for exterior automotive applications. [caption id="attachment_124133" align="aligncenter"] The RC/UV series with at least 20% post-industrial recycled material content meets OEMs' high requirements. (Image: © 2021 KRAIBURG TPE)[/caption] KRAIBURG TPE made intensive efforts to understand the future requirements of European OEMs and is now presenting a new RC/UV series. Using a proportion of post-industrial recycled materials ranging from a minimum of 20% to a maximum of 40%, OEMs are intended to meet high requirements such as weather resistance and high surface quality for automotive exterior facades. These product solutions will enable suppliers to replace existing components with recycled material-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), thereby contributing to a circular plastic economy. The main objective of the development was achieved: the highest possible post-industrial recycled material content in individual hardness ranges. Adhesion to polypropylene enables the application of single and multi-component parts. The low density of the new compound series provides weight savings of up to 25% compared to conventional TPE. As an overall package, the characteristics of the new series are effective according to the environmental dimension on which suppliers focus.

The RC/UV series is particularly suitable for exterior, undercarriage and under-hood areas of automobiles. Target applications for the new solutions include water reservoir caps, air duct components, wheel arch liners, drip rails and window caps. Other technical details:

50 to 90 Shore A hardness range,
Post-industrial recycled material content from 20% to 40%,
Ozone and weather resistance according to OEM requirements,
Thermal stability up to 90°C.

Matthias Michl, Head of Automotive Application Development at KRAIBURG TPE, states: "To take initial steps toward a more sustainable automobile, the plastics industry needs to not only think about moving toward a circular economy, but also take action. OEMs need solutions that meet high quality standards and overcome challenges such as supply security and reliability." He adds: "With our new UV/RC series, KRAIBURG TPE meets this standard. We want to move forward with our customers toward sustainable applications." The compounds are now also available in black.