Hexpol TPE Company: Launches TPE with recycled content for automotive interiors

Hexpol TPE Company is now offering an expanded portfolio of TPEs containing recycled content
.
The new Dryflex Circular TPE grades have been tested for odor emission performance in automotive interior applications such as inlay mats, cup holders, sealing lips and HVAC components
.

First introduced in 2019, Dryflex Circular TPE was developed to support the transition from limited fossil-based virgin materials
.
Recycled polymers from different sources, including PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) and PIR (Post-Industrial Recycled), are incorporated into Dryflex Circular TPE
.
They can also be recycled in closed-loop systems at the end of their useful life
.
A key aspect of automotive interiors is their associated odor and volatile emissions
.
The exact standards and requirements vary by application and OEM
.
But usually, even at higher temperatures (like 80 C/176 F), the odor of the material should not be unpleasant
.

A representative Dryflex Circular TPE grade, a 65 Shore A material for inlay pads with 20% recyclate content, exhibits very low VOC (60 μg/g) and FOG (594 μg/g) )
.
The TPE was tested in an externally accredited laboratory and showed almost no odour (class 2.
0 according to VDA 270, B3)
.
Its mechanical properties meet automotive requirements and can be colored
.
The material is currently being approved by a German car manufacturer
.

In post-industrial manufacturing processes, recyclates are diverted from the waste stream
.
They come from injection-molded gates or offcuts from extrusions
.
The selected recoveries were chosen for their high consistency and purity
.
Taking into account the impact of transport and energy, these recyclables are sourced in Europe
.
Dryflex Circular TPE is produced at Hexpol TPE's European plants, which run on 100% renewable electricity
.

Dr.
Thomas Köppl, Group Product Manager, said: "With the latest developments in Dryflex Circular TPEs, high-performance automotive interior applications are now possible
.
Together with our cyclic TPE grades for exterior applications and our bio-based TPEs, we are supporting Automotive suppliers and OEMs achieve their goals to increase the use of recycled and renewable materials
.
”