Enhanced PPE Performance for Occupational Safety

High-altitude work in construction, utilities, and industrial maintenance increases occupational risks. Workers rely on personal protective equipment (PPE) that delivers grip, durability, and comfort under constant use. Material selection determines how PPE performs under these conditions.
KRAIBURG TPE, a global manufacturer in thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds, offers innovative material solutions suitable for PPE used in high-risk, high-contact environments.

Material properties for secure handling
PPE components are subject to repeated stress, frequent handling, and abrasion from rough surfaces. KRAIBURG TPE compounds provide stable mechanical performance and consistent grip, its flexible over a wide temperature range to ensure reliable handling in various working environments. The materials bond well to polypropylene (PP), which allows efficient overmolding and strong bonding in multi-material designs. Selected TPE grades can also be overmolded onto other plastics or metals to support complex component integration.

Manufacturers can use soft-touch TPE for high-altitude work safety to improve handling and reduce hand strain during long tasks. The smooth surface and controlled elasticity enabling users to maintain a firm grip during repetitive motion.

Abrasion resistance for extended service life
High-altitude PPE often comes into contact with tools, edges, and abrasive surfaces. KRAIBURG TPE develops TPE with good abrasion resistance to reduce surface wear and extend product life. UV and weather-resistant grades are available, making these materials suitable for outdoor applications exposed to harsh environmental conditions. These properties of KRAIBURG TPE solutions make them suitable for grips, handles, flexible joints, and protective elements where material failure could compromise safety.

Design flexibility for PPE manufacturers
KRAIBURG TPE materials allow full colorability for visual identification and functional differentiation. The compounds process efficiently and accommodate ergonomic shapes and compact designs. These features make them practical TPE for PPE applications such as gloves, harness components, grip zones, seals, and soft-touch interfaces.

Versatile range of applications across industries
KRAIBURG TPE materials are used in a range of applications requiring ergonomics, durability, and design flexibility. Common uses include car mats, functional and design elements, tool handles, toolboxes, ski poles, and soft-touch surfaces such as thumb wheels, push buttons, and switches.

KRAIBURG TPE at CHINAPLAS 2026
KRAIBURG TPE will exhibit at CHINAPLAS 2026, from 21–24 April 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) Shanghai, China, Hall 7.2, Booth D13. Visitors can explore the company’s portfolio of TPE materials and access the free one-on-one consultations with technical experts for material recommendations and application support.

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.

Discover More with TPE: From ladder stopper to footwear innovation and security devices, explore how our TPE solutions bring safety, durability, and innovation into everyday living.

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