High‑Recycled TPEs for Automotive Exteriors: Kraiburg’s Sustainable K Series

A new line of Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) from Kraiburg TPE – a German company with a U.S. office in Buford, GA – offers automotive exterior parts that incorporate a high percentage of post‑industrial recycled (PIR) materials. These compounds support the circular plastics economy while meeting the stringent demands of European OEMs.

The K series is engineered for exterior automotive applications, featuring a minimum of 20 % PIR content. This not only satisfies OEM quality requirements but also advances sustainability goals by reducing CO₂ emissions and enhancing material recyclability.

In addition to the K series, Kraiburg TPE has launched a new RC/UV collection designed specifically for automotive exteriors. The compounds feature 20–40 % PIR content and are tailored for high weathering resistance and superior surface quality. The range spans Shore A hardness values of 50–90, delivers ozone and weathering stability that aligns with OEM specifications, and maintains thermal stability up to 90 °C (194 °F).

Key benefits include:

• Maximum recycled content across all hardness grades.
• Excellent adhesion to polypropylene (PP), enabling single‑ and multi‑component parts.
• Low density, allowing weight reductions of up to 25 % versus conventional TPEs.
• Applications for water tank covers, air ducts, wheel‑arch liners, drip rails, and window encapsulations.

“To take the first steps toward a more sustainable automobile, the plastics industry must move beyond theory and deliver tangible solutions that meet OEM quality standards while ensuring supply security and reliability,” says Matthias Michl, Head of Automotive Application Development at Kraiburg TPE. “Our new UV/RC series exemplifies this commitment, and we look forward to collaborating with our customers on sustainable applications.”

The new compounds are currently available in black and ready for integration into next‑generation automotive designs.