KRAIBURG TPE Offers Bio-Based Material Solutions

KRAIBURG TPE introduces thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) containing renewable raw materials in variable proportions. The global TPE manufacturer KRAIBURG TPE, presenting these new compounds, is expanding its range of more sustainable solutions by adding a product series made from renewable raw material sources to THERMOLAST® R. Bio-based TPEs also have a lower product carbon footprint compared to established alternatives that do not rely on renewable raw materials. Sustainability is a key aspect of the design phase. The idea of sustainability can only contribute to a project's long-term success when it plays an important role from the very beginning of a project. KRAIBURG TPE's customers, particularly in the consumer and automotive sectors, already have access to more sustainable compounds containing proportions of post-industrial or post-consumer recycled materials. KRAIBURG TPE is now completing its range of more sustainable solutions by adding bio-based TPEs made from raw materials that support and facilitate the transition from fossil-based compounds to alternative products based on renewable materials. When evaluating new raw materials for bio-based TPEs, KRAIBURG TPE focuses on materials not used for food production. These are raw materials such as agricultural by-products or waste materials from food production that cannot be used as food, even if processed further. KRAIBURG TPE critically evaluates the origin of raw materials to meet the company's own stringent requirements. By working closely with suppliers, KRAIBURG TPE provides supply capacity for bio-based and recycled raw materials comparable to traditional base polymers. The use of bio-based TPEs can reduce a product's carbon footprint (PCF) by up to 50 percent compared to TPEs produced from fossil-based materials. PCF refers to the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), associated with the production, use and disposal of a particular product or service. Transparency and understanding of PCF can enable end customers and processing companies to make informed decisions when selecting materials to produce and market more sustainable products. This issue is currently attracting attention across all markets with demand for materials with reduced carbon footprints. By using renewable raw materials in the production of bio-based TPEs, KRAIBURG TPE is actively helping its customers achieve their sustainability goals. Bio-based TPEs provide neutral odor, touch, grip and adhesion properties that are highly comparable to fossil-based TPEs. Among the new products are solutions such as compounds with hardness ranges of 30 to 85 Shore A that adhere to PP, ABS/PC and PA. Compounds that adhere to both PP and polar materials can be colorized. The materials have been extensively tested in injection molding and extrusion and have processing properties comparable to fossil-based TPEs. [caption id="attachment_157303" align="aligncenter"] (Image: © 2023 KRAIBURG TPE)[/caption] * Assessed within the cradle-to-gate system boundary in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14067 and based on the principles of DIN EN ISO 14040/14044 and GHG Protocol. Values include biogenic uptake, transportation, packaging and processing. Dr. Tobias Brückner, Advanced Development Project Manager at KRAIBURG TPE, summarized: "With bio-based TPEs, we are filling a gap in our portfolio and taking another step towards more sustainable TPEs. Our bio-based TPEs offer more sustainable solutions while maintaining normal performance and reducing the product's carbon footprint. We look forward to projects that will enable us to transition from fossil-based raw materials to more sustainable raw materials." Bio-based TPEs are currently being produced in Germany and are now available for use worldwide.   Source