Enhancing Train Handles Comfort and Safety with TPE

In modern rail transport, passenger safety, comfort, and product durability are essential. Train handles, as the critical touchpoints for millions of daily commuters, must withstand rigorous conditions while ensuring user safety. It must meet stringent standards for fire safety, ergonomics, and long-term performance. 
KRAIBURG TPE FR2 Series delivers an ideal solution for this demanding application, offering a unique combination of technical performance and safety compliance.

Why the FR2 Series is the Ideal Choice for Train Handles
Flame Retardant – Safety Comes First
The FR2 Series complies with UL94 V-0 at 1.5 mm wall thickness, providing excellent flame-retardant properties. This ensures that the train handles made from FR2 materials will self-extinguish in the event of fire, preventing the spread of flames and protecting passengers.

Halogen-Free Composition
In the event of fire, toxic and corrosive gases can pose serious risks. The FR2 Series is halogen-free compliant with IEC 61249-2-21, minimizing the release of harmful emissions and ensuring safer evacuation conditions.

High Thermal Stability
With a service temperature of up to 85°C, the FR2 Series retains its mechanical and aesthetic properties in hot environments, it is ideal for various climates and operational conditions. 
Excellent Adhesion to Polypropylene
Many modern train handles use multiple materials for structure and comfort. The FR2 Series offers strong adhesion to PP (Polypropylene), enabling seamless 2K molding for enhanced grip and durable bonding. It is enhancing the structural integrity of train handles.

Recyclable for Sustainable Production
Supporting in-process recycling, FR2 aligns with global sustainability goals. Manufacturers benefit from reduced material waste and an overall greener production process.

Application Spotlight: Train Handles
Handles in railway interiors must be:

• Ergonomic and slip-resistant for secure grip
• Resistant to wear and frequent cleaning
• Safe in case of fire or extreme conditions

The FR2 Series meets all these requirements while offering the design flexibility of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). Its soft touch feel enhances passenger comfort, while its robust flame-retardant profile provides peace of mind for operators and passengers alike. Additionally, the recyclability of the FR2 series contributes to sustainable manufacturing practices in the railway industry.

Advancing Railway Safety with KRAIBURG TPE’s Fire-Resistant FR2 Series
KRAIBURG TPE's FR2 series stands out as a superior choice for train handle applications, combining safety, durability, and sustainability. Its compliance with stringent fire safety standards and environmental considerations makes it a reliable material for enhancing passenger safety and comfort in railway transportation.

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.