Q&A: TPE made from Renewable Resources: Overcoming Challenges and Unlocking Solutions TPE

For our bio-based TPE, we replace some of these virgin raw materials with bio-based ones. Hereby, we focus on the usage of second and third generation feedstocks. Second and third generation feedstocks are not suitable for food or feed and include non-food crops, by-products of food and feed production and waste streams.

All bio-based compounds from KRAIBURG TPE are based on renewable raw materials to a certain extent. We do not apply a mass balance approach.

We consider the mass balance approach as a solution for markets in which the use of TPEs made from renewable raw materials or with recycled content is not yet possible for regulatory reasons. (E.g. our THERMOLAST ® M Medical compounds are available with an ISCC PLUS mass balance approach)
 

Intensive material testing is the basis for demonstrating product performance and providing reliable product solutions to the market. We have found that there is a wide range of bio-based raw materials that perform comparably to virgin materials, and today we use many of them in our bio-based TPE portfolio, even for demanding applications with adhesion to polar substrates such as ABS/PC or polyamides. 

We have defined specifications and control plans for our incoming raw materials as well as for our TPE compounds during and after production. As a result, we feel very confident in proposing bio-based material solutions and are happy to discuss any further questions you may have!

The bio-based TPEs that we presented during the webinar are not tested to drinking water market standards such as KTW-BWGL or WRAS.  For this market we have a dedicated range of materials, THERMOLAST® DW, which comes with the appropriate regulatory package.

However, we are open-minded and look forward to discussing the possibilities for more sustainable TPE in the drinking water market with you in a one-to-one meeting to review the exact requirements for your applications and what we can do.