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Thermoplastic elastomers: Recycling opportunities for companies

26/04/2023
Thermoplastic elastomers

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are a class of elastomeric materials that combine the properties of thermoplastics and elastomers

These materials are used in various industries, including automotive, electronics, toy manufacturing and medical device production.

TPEs are light, strong and durable, making them ideal for the production of engineering parts. Furthermore, TPEs are easily recyclable, making them a sustainable choice for the production of engineering parts.

In this article, we will take a closer look at recycling opportunities for companies that generate thermoplastic elastomer scrap.


Introduction to Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs)


TPE is the name used to define a thermoplastic elastomer, also known as thermoplastic rubber. TPE is a rubber-like material that can be processed using thermoplastic technologies such as injection moulding or extrusion. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are compounds consisting of hard thermoplastics such as PP, PBT and PA, in combination with a soft, rubbery material and often with additives such as oils and fillers.

Starting in the 1960s, thermoplastic base materials became increasingly common. At that time, rubber compounds (thermosets) had already become popular in the automotive market, but they were expensive, complicated to manufacture and difficult to recycle.

With new industry trends (brighter colours, soft touch, etc.), there was a growing demand for soft materials that were cheaper and easier to manufacture. This growth was consolidated in the 1970s, when TPE began to be produced on a large scale.

These materials are used in a variety of industries, including automotive, electronics, footwear, gaskets, construction, wheels, toy manufacturing and medical device production.

Comparison of thermoplastic and thermosetting elastomers


Thermoplastics react to heat by softening and thus acquiring a malleability that allows them to be moulded to form finished products and subsequently, they again acquire rigidity. (In theory, this process of heating, modelling and cooling could be repeated several times. In reality, this depends on the quality of the raw material being processed).

Thermosetting materials, on the other hand, react to heat by first softening and then hardening again thanks to a three-dimensional cross-linking process. In practice, it is through the combined effect of heat and pressure that thermosetting materials can be shaped. (these materials tend to decompose by carbonising when heated again).

Advantages of TPEs in production


Among the main advantages of thermoplastic elastomers are their easier processing (and lower energy expenditure compared to thermosets) with conventional thermoplastic processes such as injection moulding, extrusion, thermoforming and blow moulding. In addition, TPEs can be easily coloured and overmoulded to various thermoplastics, with good adhesion.

TPEs can be moulded quickly and accurately, making them ideal for the production of complex parts. This means that manufacturers can reduce production time and costs.

Production and properties of TPE materials


TPEs are produced using a combination of thermoplastic polymers and elastomers. These materials can be produced using a variety of production techniques, including extraction, compression moulding and casting. TPEs have a wide range of properties, including flexibility, abrasion resistance and tensile strength.

Major TPU manufacturers


BASF is the largest TPU producer in the world, with a market share of 27.71%.

BASF SE is a chemical company based in Germany.

Lubrizol is the world's second largest producer of TPU, with a value market share of 19.43%.

Covestro is the world's third largest producer of TPU, with a market share of 12.65% by value. Covestro AG is a German-based company involved in the production of polymeric materials.

Advantages of TPU


TPU is an extremely versatile material: more than any other thermoplastic elastomer, it can provide a considerable number of combinations of physical properties, making it extremely flexible and adaptable to multiple uses. This versatility stems from TPU's unique structure, which results in high resilience, as well as resistance to impact, abrasion, tearing, weathering and even hydrocarbons.

This material is known for its flexibility, abrasion resistance and resistance to high temperatures. In addition, TPU can be produced in a wide range of colours and finishes.

SEBS as a common material for TPE


SEBS is one of the most common materials used in the production of TPE. This material is known for its flexibility and abrasion resistance, which makes it ideal for various types of production such as profiles, housewares, handles, knives, grips, hardware, feet, storage consoles, non-slip inserts, knobs, buttons, gaskets, and the production of engineering parts. In addition, SEBS is easy to process and can be produced in a wide range of colours.

The different applications of thermoplastic elastomers 


Thanks to their ability to offer high elastic performance and deformation resistance, but also to be easily processed as a thermoplastic material, thermoplastic elastomers have opened up new design and productivity opportunities for designers and manufacturers of materials and products.

Their growing popularity has led to new design and production solutions, resulting in stronger, more flexible and more sustainable products. At the same time, industries processing thermoplastic elastomers generate a large amount of waste, which often ends up in landfill or incineration, causing a negative impact on the environment.

The consequences of not managing thermoplastic elastomer waste


Not recycling these materials has multiple consequences. First of all, the accumulation of waste in landfills leads to the occupation of large spaces and to disposal problems. Furthermore, thermoplastic elastomers are not biodegradable, which means they will remain in the environment for hundreds of years. 

Finally, the incineration of this waste generates toxic emissions into the air, harming the health of people and the surrounding environment.

Recycling and sustainability of thermoplastic elastomers


Thermoplastic elastomers or TPEs are easily recyclable, making them a sustainable choice for the production of engineering parts. In addition, TPEs are free of phthalates and other harmful chemicals, making them safe for use in a variety of applications.

Gianeco offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for waste management of thermoplastic elastomers and polymers from the TPE, TPU, SEBS, SBS and TPO families. 

Our company deals with the mechanical recycling of thermoplastic elastomer waste, transforming it into new products. 

Thanks to state-of-the-art technology and our experience, we can transform waste into granules and powders, ready to be used as raw material in a wide range of industrial applications.

Our mechanical recycling process is completely sustainable and environmentally friendly. Not only do we reduce the amount of waste to landfill or incineration, we also reduce the extraction of virgin raw materials and the associated environmental impact. 

Furthermore, thanks to our focus on the quality of our recycled products, we ensure that the material we produce is suitable for the most demanding industrial applications.

Conclusions

In summary, recycling thermoplastic elastomers is an opportunity for companies to reduce the environmental impact of their waste and contribute to the creation of a circular economy

With our mechanical recycling solution, Gianeco offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to thermoplastic elastomer waste management. 

Contact us to learn more about our recycling service offer and our high-quality recycled thermoplastic elastomers.

Find out more about Elastogeo products






News

Thermoplastic elastomers: Recycling opportunities for companies

26/04/2023
Thermoplastic elastomers

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are a class of elastomeric materials that combine the properties of thermoplastics and elastomers

These materials are used in various industries, including automotive, electronics, toy manufacturing and medical device production.

TPEs are light, strong and durable, making them ideal for the production of engineering parts. Furthermore, TPEs are easily recyclable, making them a sustainable choice for the production of engineering parts.

In this article, we will take a closer look at recycling opportunities for companies that generate thermoplastic elastomer scrap.


Introduction to Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs)


TPE is the name used to define a thermoplastic elastomer, also known as thermoplastic rubber. TPE is a rubber-like material that can be processed using thermoplastic technologies such as injection moulding or extrusion. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are compounds consisting of hard thermoplastics such as PP, PBT and PA, in combination with a soft, rubbery material and often with additives such as oils and fillers.

Starting in the 1960s, thermoplastic base materials became increasingly common. At that time, rubber compounds (thermosets) had already become popular in the automotive market, but they were expensive, complicated to manufacture and difficult to recycle.

With new industry trends (brighter colours, soft touch, etc.), there was a growing demand for soft materials that were cheaper and easier to manufacture. This growth was consolidated in the 1970s, when TPE began to be produced on a large scale.

These materials are used in a variety of industries, including automotive, electronics, footwear, gaskets, construction, wheels, toy manufacturing and medical device production.

Comparison of thermoplastic and thermosetting elastomers


Thermoplastics react to heat by softening and thus acquiring a malleability that allows them to be moulded to form finished products and subsequently, they again acquire rigidity. (In theory, this process of heating, modelling and cooling could be repeated several times. In reality, this depends on the quality of the raw material being processed).

Thermosetting materials, on the other hand, react to heat by first softening and then hardening again thanks to a three-dimensional cross-linking process. In practice, it is through the combined effect of heat and pressure that thermosetting materials can be shaped. (these materials tend to decompose by carbonising when heated again).

Advantages of TPEs in production


Among the main advantages of thermoplastic elastomers are their easier processing (and lower energy expenditure compared to thermosets) with conventional thermoplastic processes such as injection moulding, extrusion, thermoforming and blow moulding. In addition, TPEs can be easily coloured and overmoulded to various thermoplastics, with good adhesion.

TPEs can be moulded quickly and accurately, making them ideal for the production of complex parts. This means that manufacturers can reduce production time and costs.

Production and properties of TPE materials


TPEs are produced using a combination of thermoplastic polymers and elastomers. These materials can be produced using a variety of production techniques, including extraction, compression moulding and casting. TPEs have a wide range of properties, including flexibility, abrasion resistance and tensile strength.

Major TPU manufacturers


BASF is the largest TPU producer in the world, with a market share of 27.71%.

BASF SE is a chemical company based in Germany.

Lubrizol is the world's second largest producer of TPU, with a value market share of 19.43%.

Covestro is the world's third largest producer of TPU, with a market share of 12.65% by value. Covestro AG is a German-based company involved in the production of polymeric materials.

Advantages of TPU


TPU is an extremely versatile material: more than any other thermoplastic elastomer, it can provide a considerable number of combinations of physical properties, making it extremely flexible and adaptable to multiple uses. This versatility stems from TPU's unique structure, which results in high resilience, as well as resistance to impact, abrasion, tearing, weathering and even hydrocarbons.

This material is known for its flexibility, abrasion resistance and resistance to high temperatures. In addition, TPU can be produced in a wide range of colours and finishes.

SEBS as a common material for TPE


SEBS is one of the most common materials used in the production of TPE. This material is known for its flexibility and abrasion resistance, which makes it ideal for various types of production such as profiles, housewares, handles, knives, grips, hardware, feet, storage consoles, non-slip inserts, knobs, buttons, gaskets, and the production of engineering parts. In addition, SEBS is easy to process and can be produced in a wide range of colours.

The different applications of thermoplastic elastomers 


Thanks to their ability to offer high elastic performance and deformation resistance, but also to be easily processed as a thermoplastic material, thermoplastic elastomers have opened up new design and productivity opportunities for designers and manufacturers of materials and products.

Their growing popularity has led to new design and production solutions, resulting in stronger, more flexible and more sustainable products. At the same time, industries processing thermoplastic elastomers generate a large amount of waste, which often ends up in landfill or incineration, causing a negative impact on the environment.

The consequences of not managing thermoplastic elastomer waste


Not recycling these materials has multiple consequences. First of all, the accumulation of waste in landfills leads to the occupation of large spaces and to disposal problems. Furthermore, thermoplastic elastomers are not biodegradable, which means they will remain in the environment for hundreds of years. 

Finally, the incineration of this waste generates toxic emissions into the air, harming the health of people and the surrounding environment.

Recycling and sustainability of thermoplastic elastomers


Thermoplastic elastomers or TPEs are easily recyclable, making them a sustainable choice for the production of engineering parts. In addition, TPEs are free of phthalates and other harmful chemicals, making them safe for use in a variety of applications.

Gianeco offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for waste management of thermoplastic elastomers and polymers from the TPE, TPU, SEBS, SBS and TPO families. 

Our company deals with the mechanical recycling of thermoplastic elastomer waste, transforming it into new products. 

Thanks to state-of-the-art technology and our experience, we can transform waste into granules and powders, ready to be used as raw material in a wide range of industrial applications.

Our mechanical recycling process is completely sustainable and environmentally friendly. Not only do we reduce the amount of waste to landfill or incineration, we also reduce the extraction of virgin raw materials and the associated environmental impact. 

Furthermore, thanks to our focus on the quality of our recycled products, we ensure that the material we produce is suitable for the most demanding industrial applications.

Conclusions

In summary, recycling thermoplastic elastomers is an opportunity for companies to reduce the environmental impact of their waste and contribute to the creation of a circular economy

With our mechanical recycling solution, Gianeco offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to thermoplastic elastomer waste management. 

Contact us to learn more about our recycling service offer and our high-quality recycled thermoplastic elastomers.

Find out more about Elastogeo products






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