No Shortcuts with TPE in Smart Food Containers

Recent food safety and packaging waste regulations have driven the development of smart food containers. Using sensors, active materials, and digital features, these containers monitor freshness, extend shelf life, and encourage mindful consumption and disposal. They reduce food waste and limit excessive packaging. However, recyclability, food contact safety, and durability remain key challenges as manufacturers seek more sustainable solutions.

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are ideal for smart food packaging due to their exceptional properties, including enabling secure packaging features. KRAIBURG TPE, a global manufacturer of advanced TPEs, offers recyclable and versatile TPE solutions for smart food storage applications.

Excellent adhesion for secure closures
KRAIBURG TPE delivers the requirements for food containers to be both secure and easy to use. TPEs bond strongly with polypropylene (PP), enabling seamless overmolding onto container lids or bodies without extra adhesives. This creates tight seals that preserve freshness while allowing ergonomic designs for easier and more convenient opening and closing.

Safety compliant and recyclable
KRAIBURG TPE’s materials meet strict international food contact regulations, including Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, US FDA CFR 21, and GB 4806.7-2023. Free of animal-derived ingredients, these TPEs are well suited for brands focused on ethical sourcing and consumer safety. The grades are ISCC PLUS ready, supporting sustainable manufacturing through a mass balance approach. They are also certified by Cyclos HTP for compatibility with HDPE and PP recycling.

Sustainability from the get-go
At KRAIBURG TPE, sustainability drives our innovation. Our portfolio includes bio-based TPEs and compounds with post-consumer (PCR) and post-industrial (PIR) recycled content. Selected TPEs are certified under GRS and ISCC PLUS. We also provide Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data upon request to support sustainability decisions.

We proudly earned the EcoVadis Gold Medal in 2025 and are committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aligning our goals with global climate action.

From reducing emissions to increasing circularity, our sustainable TPEs deliver reliable performance and are available worldwide to support your applications while advancing your sustainability goals.

Get in touch today to learn how KRAIBURG TPE can support your sustainability and product development journey.

Disclaimer: The applications mentioned are illustrative of material capabilities only. Final product suitability and regulatory compliance must be assessed and validated by the customer.