Smart consumer electronics gain from cutting-edge material solutions

Valued at a projected US$1.78 billion by 2030, the global consumer electronics market is being fundamentally reshaped by a 6.6% annual growth rate and a relentless wave of digital innovation. For Grand View Research, this expansion is powered by the convergence of 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies, which are transforming standard hardware into the sophisticated, interconnected ecosystems that modern consumers crave. As disposable incomes rise, so does the demand for seamless integration, fueling the rapid adoption of smart home appliances, wearables, and next-generation smartphones.

The landscape is further evolving as e-commerce continues to streamline global product accessibility and bridge the gap between manufacturers and tech-savvy buyers. Beyond mere convenience, a growing societal emphasis on environmental responsibility is forcing a shift toward energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions. By prioritizing sustainability alongside technological advancement, the industry is ensuring its long-term relevance in an increasingly connected and conscious global economy.

Recent developments in the production of consumer electronics highlight the role of cutting-edge materials developed by leading industry players.

PPE oligomers capacity for AI and 5G data-center PCBs

Another incremental expansion phase was announced for the production of SABIC’s specialty oligomers based on polyphenylene ether (PPE) technology. The commitment builds on previous capacity increases in Asia and meets with the rapidly growing demand for high-performance printed circuit boards (PCBs) in data centers serving the needs of artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G applications.

Sergi Monros, Vice President, SABIC Polymers, Specialties BU states: “As AI is infused into virtually every industry and environment, the data center market needs unique material solutions to support high-speed, high-bandwidth, low-latency infrastructure and deliver new levels of performance and reliability. Besides investing in specialty materials and services to accelerate new product development in this field, SABIC also maintains a dedicated patent portfolio to protect the intellectual property behind innovative solutions developed for its customers.”

SABIC to further expand Its PPE oligomers capacity for PCB laminates to support the rapid growth of AI data centers.

The further expansion in PPE oligomers is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2026 and will help PCB manufacturers maintain fast lead times as the demand for their products continues to rise. SABIC’s flagship in this segment is NORYL SA9000, a modified low-molecular-weight, bi-functional PPE oligomer grade for high-performance multilayer copper-clad laminates (CCLs) used in 5G base stations and high-speed AI server PCBs. The material combines high heat resistance, dimensional stability and flame retardancy with increased layer-count capability to achieve very low-loss CCL products with enhanced dielectric layer strength. It offers formulating flexibility in existing CCL production operations and has a proven fit for incorporation in various different solvent-based thermoset systems.

Data centers for AI and 5G pack powerful electronics into confined spaces, demanding advanced materials for next-gen design and engineering. Beyond PPE oligomers, SABIC offers a wide range of specialties resin and compounds with unique benefits, lightweight strength, thermal and electrical conductivity, optical clarity, chemical resistance, and cooling capabilities.

Sustainable materials for consumer products

In this day and age, consumers are starting to look at a modern everyday recycling solution that combines functionality with sustainability. KRAIBURG TPE’s THERMOLAST® R series offers smart trash bins enhanced with up to 48% recycled content, safe soft-touch surfaces, and durable odor-sealing gaskets, buttons, and base pads.

One of the newest AI-integrated home systems is a smart trash bin with automated sorting capabilities for recyclables, non-recyclables, and contaminated waste, ultimately improving recycling efficiency. Built for sustainability, a smart trash bin uses eco-friendly materials consistent with its purpose. 

The THERMOLAST® R - RC/PCR/AP series contains 25% to 48% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, depending on hardness, offering a sustainable option for manufacturers aiming to reduce environmental impact without compromising performance. Certified under the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), the compound meets industry criteria for responsibly sourced materials and contributes to improving functionality in smart trash bins.

KRAIBURG TPE’s THERMOLAST® R RC/AD1/AP series is also ideal for smart pet wearable technologies such as pet trackers.

The THERMOLAST® R - RC/PCR/AP series is a high-performance, eco-friendly thermoplastic alternative to conventional elastomers such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-P). Its optimized mechanical properties, including flexibility, resilience, durability, and good flowability, make it ideal for components like odor-sealing gaskets, soft-close lid dampers, anti-slip base pads, and control buttons. With a hardness range of 50 to 90 Shore A, it offers design flexibility: softer grades are suitable for sealing or grip elements, while harder grades add rigidity to structural parts such as lid dampers or foot pedals. The material is also compatible with injection molding processes, facilitating efficient and scalable production.

The THERMOLAST® R - RC/PCR/AP series is recommended for smart applications requiring reliable sealing, user comfort, and regulatory compliance. It offers strong adhesion to polypropylene (PP) in both multi-component and single-component parts, enabling airtight seals that trap odors and improve indoor sanitation. Its low-odor profile and compliance with REACH and RoHS SVHC requirements make it ideal for hygiene-focused settings. With thermal stability up to 80°C and pleasant haptics, the compound provides a smooth, non-sticky surface ideal for touchpoints such as buttons and lid rims. Available in black color, it complements modern aesthetics and flexibility for designing.

KRAIBURG TPE has also developed the THERMOLAST® R RC/AD1/AP series for smart pet wearable technologies such as pet trackers, including collar tags, harness trackers, and GPS collars are on hand to ease the task for pet owners. As caring for pets is a serious commitment to keeping them safe, knowing their location in real time, and keeping them healthy by monitoring their activity levels have become more sophisticated with smart pet wearable technologies.

But not all smart pet trackers are equal. The best brands combine accurate monitoring with comfort, durability, mobility, and safety. KRAIBURG TPE offers TPE materials with benefits such as optimized mechanical properties. The THERMOLAST® R RC/AD1/AP series, developed for the Asia Pacific market, is a sustainable TPE solution that delivers non-toxic, durable, and lightweight material benefits specifically for smart pet tracker applications. The THERMOLAST® R RC/AD1/AP series enables superior comfort in smart pet wearables by offering a soft-touch, smooth, non-sticky surface and a lightweight feel. The compounds have been tested according to ISO 10993-5 for cytotoxicity and ISO 10993-23 for skin irritation, providing assurance of skin-friendly wear.

KRAIBURG TPE’s THERMOLAST® R RC/AD1/AP series complies with rigorous safety standards required for smart wearable applications. The material is fully compliant with European hazardous substances and chemical standards such as RoHS (for EEE) and REACH SVHC and has undergone rigorous testing under UL 94HB flammability to safeguard against risks associated with heat or fire exposure. For such applications, KRAIBURG TPE’s THERMOLAST® R RC/AD1/AP series offers a wide range of color options, from natural to black and other pre-colored variants, allowing designers the flexibility to create visually distinct wearables that integrate seamlessly with various pet accessories.  This versatility enables brand differentiation and satisfies consumer preferences for style and personalization in smart pet wearables.

The THERMOLAST® R RC/AD1/AP series is engineered to effect functional performance. It offers excellent adhesion to PC, ABS, and PC/ABS, enabling efficient multi-component injection molding.  With a hardness range of 60–80 Shore A, the series allows for easy processability and moldability, resulting in a durable, compact structure.  As well, it balances flexibility and strength to prevent tearing and resists deformation under pressure. Its elasticity enables tight sealing of smart wearable elements.

The THERMOLAST® R RC/AD1/AP series is a Global Recycled Standard (GRS)-certified compound that meets manufacturers’ requirements for eco-friendly and ethically sourced recycled-content material suitable for innovative products such as smart wearables.  It contains 34 percent to 50 percent post-industrial recycled (PIR) content, bolstering industry efforts to meet increasing recycled content targets.