Benefits of Lightweight TPE for Industries

1. Consumer Goods: Enhancing Usability

In consumer goods, lightweight materials bring numerous advantages by combining versatility with durability, all while reducing overall weight. Particularly light TPEs are beneficial because they can replace conventional materials, providing comparable strength without adding bulk. This makes them an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, including personal items, sports equipment, and electronics, where both durability and portability are essential.

For consumer and sporting goods, reducing material weight translates into easier handling and enhanced comfort. The flexibility and resilience of TPEs also allow manufacturers to design more intricate shapes, meeting both functional and aesthetic requirements.

2. Industrial Sector: Light Versatility

Reducing material weight is a key point in the industry market, which covers the widest range of different applications. Thermoplastic elastomers made from recycled content offer significant weight savings—up to 30% lighter than thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) and 50% lighter than polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This substantial reduction, coupled with the capability for multi-component molding with materials like polyamide (PA) or polypropylene (PP), positions these TPEs as an attractive alternative across various applications. 

For instance, it can be used for gaskets in e-bike battery packs, flexible joint tapes, durable wall ducts, and ergonomic handles for power tools, all of which benefit from the material's lighter weight and design versatility. This makes TPE not only an attractive choice in terms of sustainability but also a practical solution for meeting the demands of high-performance applications.

3. Automotive Sector: Pioneering in new materials
 

The automotive industry has been a pioneer in the use of light materials. First launched in 2020, by now Lightweight TPE by KRAIBURG TPE is frequently employed to replace traditional materials like rubber in vehicle interiors, under-the-hood components, and exterior features. 

Automotive is heavily regulated in terms of sustainability and recyclability by e. g the upcoming  EU’s End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive. This leads automotive manufacturers to prioritize the use of recyclable lightweight materials, especially in large components like seals, roof railing and mats. 

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Applications in the industrial, automotive and consumer sectors benefit from a lower carbon footprint and increased energy efficiency. 

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Closing Thoughts 
 

The shift towards more sustainable materials like lightweight, recycling or bio-based  TPE is essential for companies to meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. Whether through voluntary recycling goals or mandatory regulations, industries are increasingly held accountable for the environmental impact of their products.

More sustainable TPE are reshaping multiple industries by offering solutions that meet modern demands for sustainability, cost-efficiency, and improved functionality. From consumer goods that prioritize comfort and portability to automotive parts that comply with stringent recyclability standards, lightweight recycling content TPE is an invaluable asset in designing the next generation of eco-friendly and efficient products. 

If you are looking for more information on our Lightweight TPE with Recycling Content, please get in touch!