Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) supplier Kraiburg TPE will have a dual presence at  K 2019 in Düsseldorf. At both booth C58-4 located in “Rubber Street” in hall 6 and its ideas factory at booth E22, the manufacturer will address major challenges and trends the growing TPE business is facing.

"K is the most important leading trade fair for innovation in the global plastics and rubber market and sets the course for the industry,” says Franz Hinterecker, CEO at Kraiburg TPE. “Our trade fair appearance will focus, among other things, on new TPE compounds that pass migration tests even when in contact with foods that contain fat. Trade fair visitors may also look forward to exciting new developments in the fields of emission and odor relating to interior applications and in the field of thermoplastic elastomer hybrids. In addition, we will present new materials with adhesion to ASA and PMMA for exterior applications.”

Two custom-engineered compound series feature significantly improved migration control as compared to common TPEs and are particularly suited for closure systems, valves, and seals for packaging with direct contact to foods that contain fat. This material technology develops recipes with minimal migration potential that can be precisely calculated.

TPE compounds with a secure, optimized odor and emission behavior for interior automotive applications will also be on show. In recent years, Kraiburg TPE has been intensively occupied with the factors that influence odor and emissions. Together with an independent testing institute, we have thoroughly examined raw materials and sample histories as well as packaging and test methods in order to develop market-oriented materials and bring an ultra-low-emission material to market.

TPE compounds with enhanced UV resistance and adhesion to plastics for exterior automotive applications including ASA, EPDM, and PMMA are another show highlight. New custom-engineered thermoplastic hybrids (TEHs) that provide superior chemical and thermal resistance and thus fill the gap between classic elastomers and thermoplastic elastomers. Depending on application profile and applications, Kraiburg TPE combines appropriate elastomers with thermoplastics to achieve the right thermoplastically processable material solutions.

The expanded product portfolio, with its improved emission and odor values as well as its migration results, meets strict requirements worldwide and thus minimizes risk and may accelerate the launch of new applications. The expansion of material solutions for the packaging market has been targeted to cover also high-end applications.