A Material in a League of its Own: Thermoplastic Elastomers

KONSTANZ, Germany - Nov. 29, 2022 - PRLog -- Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are elastic like rubber at room temperature, but can be melted and repeatedly moulded like standard plastics. "TPEs offer high strength and are robust; they can be welded watertight and colored. In principle, TPEs can also be recycled," explains Oliver Kutsch, CEO of the market research institute Ceresana: "These innovative materials are conquering more and more application areas. TPEs are also interesting because components can be made from renewable raw materials or combined with bioplastics."

TPE Applications from Shoe Soles to Bumpers

TPEs are used in a wide variety of applications. Their good abrasion resistance makes them a suitable material for shoe soles and for soft-touch handles, such as those of toothbrushes, bicycle handlebars or tools. Since TPEs do not require plasticizers due to their high elastomer content, they can be processed as an alternative to PVC. The main customer for TPE is the automotive industry: around 33% of all TPE products. Applications range from fabric coatings, seals, cable sheathing and insert mats to covers for airbags and bumpers.

Expanding Market for SBC And Other TPE Grades

The production of TPEs is dominated by manufacturers in Asia: roughly two thirds of global TPE production. The market shares of the various TPE grades vary greatly and depend on the different size of the user industries. The most widely used TPE grade is styrenic block copolymers (TPS, TPE-S or SBC), which account for around 49% of demand. Their use ranges from blending in adhesives to asphalt modification in road construction. Thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO), which are mainly used in the automotive industry, come in second. Another important type of TPE is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is used for dashboards and housing shells, for example.

Current Market Data on Thermoplastic Elastomers

Chapter 1 of the Ceresana study provides a differentiated analysis of the global TPE market - including forecasts up to 2031: the development of revenues, demand and production is outlined for each region of the world. The following TPE types are considered individually: Styrenic Block Copolymers (TPS, SBC and others), Thermoplastic Polyolefins (TPO), Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU), Thermoplastic Vulcanizates (TPV), other Thermoplastic Elastomers. In addition, the TPE use in various applications are examined: Vehicles, Construction Industry, Other Industries, Footwear and Sporting Goods, Household Appliances and Other Consumer Goods. Chapter 2 provides a detailed analysis of the 16 most important countries for the TPE market. Chapter 3 is a useful manufacturer directory of the 66 most important producers of TPE.

Further information about the market study "Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE)" (4th edition): https://www.ceresana.com/en/market-studies/plastics/therm...