Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) have replaced thermoset rubbers for decades, offering recyclability, design flexibility, and processing efficiency across many applications. For over forty years, Teknor Apex has supported this transition with high-performance alternatives to materials like silicone and EPDM that reduce waste and improve manufacturing outcomes. Today, sustainability is propelling the shift forward. In consumer products and packaging, TPEs offer not only recyclability and processing efficiency, but also safer formulations. In vehicles, the shift from EPDM to thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) supports weight reduction, recyclability, and modular design.
Why Replacing Materials like silicones and EPDMs?
A proven partner in TPE solutions
While design flexibility and processing efficiency have always set TPEs apart from thermoset rubbers, sustainability is now a primary driver for material selection. TPEs support end-of-life recyclability, lower scrap rates, shorter molding cycles, and compatibility with multi-component designs, while eliminating the need for vulcanization.
Teknor Apex continues to expand its TPE portfolio to meet these demands. The Monprene® SP-14100 Series is a sustainable alternative to silicone rubber for consumer applications. It offers high-performance for grips, gaskets, seals, and wearable components where durability, softness, and elasticity are key.
Circular innovation with PCR-enhanced TPEs
Teknor Apex offers solutions that incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) content — enabling even greater reductions in carbon footprints without compromising performance or processability.
Monprene® R6 CP-10100 Series
The Monprene® R6 CP-10100 Series contains up to 60% PCR content and delivers a verified 36% carbon footprint reduction.
- Maintains excellent translucency and color vibrancy
- For grips, straps, gaskets, and soft-touch components in toys, sporting goods, and footwear
- Compatible with injection molding and overmolding processes
Sarlink® Rx 4100B Series
For more demanding environments, the Sarlink® Rx 4100B Series of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) offers up to 30% PCR content and a verified 25% carbon footprint reduction.
- For automotive and industrial applications (window encapsulations, glass run channels, and hoses)
- Combines strong chemical resistance, elastic recovery, and broad processing versatility
- Can be processed via extrusion, injection molding, and co-molding/co-extrusion
Both series are backed by third-party verified product carbon footprint (PCF) data and support circular design and life cycle transparency.
Third-party validated sustainability
Teknor Apex holds third-party certifications and provides transparent data to help customers make informed material choices.
- ISCC PLUS certification for sustainable sourcing practices
- RecyClass certification for verified recycled content
- Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data verified under the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and ISO 14067, based on cradle-to-gate assessments
