Environmental sustainability and the drive towards a more circular economy have challenged manufacturers to rethink product designs and question traditional material choices. One such traditional material choice is thermoset rubber, commonly used in applications requiring elastic, damping or sealing properties. Thermoplastic Elastomers, or TPEs, are the primary alternative to thermoset rubber, and exhibit many of the same characteristics. However, TPEs offer several key advantages over rubber regarding sustainability, design freedom, performance and cost. In terms of environmental sustainability and the circular economy, TPEs offer recycling opportunities not possible with thermoset rubber. We’ve created this eBook to help manufacturers looking for sustainable alternatives to rubber, hoping to provide some insight about the recyclability of TPEs and guidance on determining if TPEs are the right fit.
Download the eBook for an in-depth look at the topics below, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
TPE vs THERMOSET RUBBER:
What’s the difference?
Over time, Thermoplastic Elastomers, or TPEs, have continuously replaced thermoset rubber materials like EPDM, silicone, and latex, in applications across many industries. Although these materials behave similarly when in their final molded or extruded form, their differences on a molecular level allow for TPEs to be readily recycled.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
Recycling and Loop Opportunities
Learn more about why the recyclability of TPEs is important and what opportunities are available, as we explore the following topics:
- Circular Economy
- Recycling Options
- Recycling TPEs
- Loop Opportunities
PERFORMANCE, COST, DESIGN, & PROCESS:
Is a TPE right for me?
Aside from recyclability, there are other factors to consider when switching from thermoset rubber to TPE, like performance, cost, design and process. In some ways TPEs may be limited, but they offer many performance enhancements, as well as increased design and manufacturing flexibility, which can result in overall cost savings. It is important to really understand the end use requirements in order to select the most appropriate TPE material. Teknor Apex offers guidance in this product selection process.
