Publication: Nov 11, 2019 Last updated: Aug 29, 2025

Harnessing the soft touch experience


KRAIBURG TPE harnesses the soft touch experience

Today’s consumers are drawn to the sensory appeal of products, which influences their acquisition decisions. Soft touch thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are increasingly being used in products to meet these requirements, owing to their design flexibility and high performance, making them suited for a broad range of applications.

Sensory details of a product such as its varying texture, weight, and hardness can be appreciated through touch. This creates a persuasive effect while at the same time promotes product differentiation and branding in the marketplace.

The soft touch TPEs are designed to enhance the tactile appeal of surfaces as well as the functional parts of products, including packaging, household goods, toys, healthcare devices, personal care tools and sports equipment.

Harnessing the soft touch experience

KRAIBURG TPE, a global TPE manufacturer of a wide range of thermoplastic elastomer products and custom solutions for multiple industries, offers high quality and custom-engineered TPE compounds. Its TPEs are offered in different hardness, color and clarity; and with the robust mechanical properties, it makes them suited for a broad range of applications.

KRAIBURG TPE’s THERMOLAST® K series can provide the desired degree of pleasant soft touch feel, and render a comfortable, soft grip. The series offers coloring options, to deliver the desired intensity and required effects, as well as excellent adhesion to PP.

The FC/AP series is an ideal solution for applications with food contact that require the soft touch feel. Possible applications include packaging, foldable bowls, baby cutlery, teething rings, interdental sticks, kitchenware handles and many more.

KRAIBURG TPE takes into account the established market requirements such as Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, FDA – Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21, EN 71/ 3.

Another ideal solution is the GP/AP series for applications that require the soft touch feel for products such as insoles, basket grips and floor mats. This TPE series features in color ability and good mechanical properties with excellent adhesion to PP.

Easy processing and added advantages

Enabling easy processing, the FC/AP and GP/AP series can be over molded onto rigid plastic grips in an injection molding process, to create a distinctive, cushioned feel without compromising the stiffness and strength of the underlying structure.  

KRAIBURG TPE’s series are not only used as hard-soft combinations, soft-touch designs or functional elements, but also as impact resistance modifiers.

Focus on total customer satisfaction

KRAIBURG TPE offers a wide range of TPE products and custom solutions that cater to multiple industries.  Moreover, it extends a service package designed to provide support throughout the entire process: from technical expertise on customized compound modification; and individual advisory from its competent and market specific experts and worldwide onsite representations; to one-of-a-kind customer service support for a worry-free sales and service process.

KRAIBURG TPE Quick Facts
 

  • Founded in 2001 as an independent business unit of the KRAIBURG Group 
  • HQ & Production Site: Waldkraiburg / Germany
  • Regional HQ & Production site: Kuala Lumpur / Malaysia, Atlanta / USA
  • Products: Thermoplastic Elastomer Compounds
  • Brands: THERMOLAST®, COPEC®, HIPEX®, and For Tec E®
  • Markets: EMEA, APAC, Americas
  • Employees: 660

Download press release

In our media package you will find comprehensive information, graphics and pictures on the subject.

11.11.2019 MEDIA PACKAGE FOR soft touch TPE

Latest News

Solution for sealing systems containing recycled contents
08.04.2026 Solution for sealing systems containing recycled contents Based on its established THERMOLAST® K product series, KRAIBURG TPE has developed a materials solution that combines established product characteristics with advanced sustainability features. The material specially designed for automotive sealing applications has a recycling content made of post-industrial and post-consumer recyclates of more than fifty percent. At the same time, the material meets the high requirements of the automotive industry for quality, processability and functionality. read more
Food-Safe TPE Materials for Nutrition Bottles
01.04.2026 Food-Safe TPE Materials for Nutrition Bottles What material properties are important for nutrition bottle components? Food-contact compliant KRAIBURG TPE materials provide reliable sealing, soft-touch ergonomics, durability, and color flexibility, making them ideal for multi-component molding and long-term use in nutrition bottle applications. read more
Sustainable TPE Materials for Aroma Diffusers
27.03.2026 Sustainable TPE Materials for Aroma Diffusers How can sustainable TPE materials enhance the design and performance of aroma diffusers? Discover THERMOLAST® R solutions with recycled content, design flexibility, and premium aesthetics. read more
Exercise Bands Made Stronger with KRAIBURG TPE
17.03.2026 Exercise Bands Made Stronger with KRAIBURG TPE How can exercise bands be made durable, flexible, and safe for repeated workouts? Discover how KRAIBURG TPE’s advanced materials provide high tensile strength, excellent tear resistance, and versatile processing for reliable performance in fitness and rehabilitation applications. read more