TPEs for functional applications

The global demand for thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) is on the rise that major manufacturers are fast catching up with the pace. This in turn pushes companies offering material solutions to develop innovative TPEs meeting stringent standards. At Chinaplas 2018, Roland Ritter, Director for Asia Pacific of KRAIBURG TPE shares with International Plastic News for Asia (IRNA)  the target applications of the company’s latest innovative TPEs.

  

Mr. Roland Ritter, Director for Asia Pacific, KRAIBURG TPE

 

IRNA: What are the strengths of KRAIBURG TPE’s latest portfolio?

 

Mr. Ritter: Market demand for TPEs for automotive application is gaining traction not only in China but the rest of the world.  Increasing consumer spending on cars with aesthetic features and high quality and innovative automotive parts is likely to stimulate future TPE product demand, especially for Electro-mobility (E-mobility) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

 

At Chinaplas 2018, innovative TPE products were presented, such as the EPDM adhesion series for exterior provide optimal adhesion to EPDM which guarantees short cooling times, low coefficient of attributes, and typical applications for this compound include: Automotive Exterior, Corner Moulding, Door sills, glass Run Channel, Window encapsulations etc. We also promoted the higher end lifestyle TPE compound that features anti-skin irritation, excellent abrasion and scratch resistance; smooth and silky surface, excellent adhesion performance on technical thermoplastic; excellent chemical resistance against sebum and sun screens, just to name a few; and with typical applications for this compound include high-tech industry applications such as smartphone cases, headphones, remote controls or VR headsets. They are also ideal for the manufacture of high-end lifestyle products such as exclusive cosmetic packaging.

  

Our innovative TPE product attributes help business, manufacturers and business owners to stay competitive in business by using technology advances to help them stay ahead.  The use of thermoplastic elastomers(TPEs) has seen significant increases, helping business explore endless product application possibilities, innovate and remain competitive.  More and more product developers and product designers choose to work with TPEs because of its extraordinary mechanical properties.  

 

IRNA: Which application fields will your company be focusing on for 2018? How do you see the developmental trends for the said fields? 

 

Mr. Ritter: As presented, we promoted our latest and successful design and functional applications specifically targeted to the automotive, consumer and consumer electronics, packaging, industry and medical sectors. We are focusing on every application sectors and not target specific to a region but on a global-scale. As for developmental trends, we foresee significant growth due to rapid industrialisation and increase in global efforts to promote environmental conservation initiatives, such as Eco, recyclability and reusability.

 

 

 

IRNA: Which sector do you see TPE growth to be most concentrated?

 

Mr. Ritter: Apart from the automotive market, the consumer electronics industry is a major focus. This is because the consumer electronic and electrical devices industries are increasingly using TPE materials. Such applications include soft straps, smartphone cases, VR headsets and so forth – making KRAIBURG TPE‘s COPEC®, THERMOLAST® and For Tec E® ideal material solutions for the above industries, thanks to their material attributes, such as comfort, easy colourability, silky soft, irritation-free and good adhesion and other winning features. 

 

We are always on the look out to meet challenges in these sectors. For instance, recently KRAIBURG TPE launched an advanced new compound of the proven THERMOLAST® K UV/LD/b series tailored to the needs of demanding outdoor applications for building and construction, electrical engineering and electronics as well as automotive. In addition to high UV resistance, the new grade combines excellent mechanical and thermal properties with outstanding adhesion to polyolefins and exceptional surface finish.

 

 IRNA: How does KRAIBURG TPE plan to position itself in the Chinese market to compete against local Chinese TPE makers and other TPE markets from Europe?

 

Mr. Ritter: We offer a wide range of products to fit all applications, precision engineering and tailor-made solutions thanks to our years of experience and expertise. Furthermore, we had already established ourselves in China since 2004 and this has given us ample time to anticipate, identify and understand our customers in China.  We are also proud to announce that our specific TPE compounds meet China’s high GuoBiao (GB)- National Food Safety standards. This is another achievement for the company’s measure of success and a milestone achievement in KRAIBURG TPE’s quest for continuous product quality innovation to meet stringent worldwide quality standards.  Beyond that, we work with a “Global local TPE” to offer our customers premium quality TPE compounds that meet global standards and exceed local expectations.  

 

IRNA: Is there any forthcoming company development plans and strategic moves?  

 

Mr. Ritter: In addition to establishing a new extrusion line at the company’s headquarters, KRAIBURG TPE has also continuously developed the sites in North America and Asia. In the USA, KRAIBURG TPE has already relocated to a new production plant in Buford (near Atlanta, Georgia) in 2016. 

 

In Asia, KRAIBURG TPE’s Malaysia plant will be adding a new production line this year to boost production capacity by a further 35%. We have recently expanded KRAIBURG TPE Malaysia’s office building and warehouse to meet increasing market demands in the Asia Pacific region.  We will also be enhancing our sales network in Hanoi, Vietnam and Chengdu in China to build better brand presence and serve our ever-growing customer base better.  

  

IRNA: How does KRAIBURG TPE measure its success?

 

Mr. Ritter: KRAIBURG TPE measures its success by customer satisfaction through a unique quality concept that takes people, processes and products into account. This unique quality concept is centred on exceptional, high quality and custom-engineered compounds. It further adds value to customers by its commitment to technical expertise, individual advisory, and excellent customer service. The company’s motto “KRAIBURG TPE, Custom-engineered TPE and more” quite literally takes customers’ challenges as its own and goes the extra mile to steadfastly stay by the customer’s side via best customer service, expert support, international network, and best and highest standards of product quality worldwide – ensuring and rewarding customers with the global service package offered.