Publication: Sep 23, 2021 Last updated: Aug 29, 2025

KRAIBURG TPE will address important market trends at Fakuma


Innovative TPE solutions for current challenges from lightweighting to circular economy

At Fakuma 2021 (Booth B5-5303) from October 12 to 16 at Friedrichshafen Exhibition Center, Germany, KRAIBURG TPE will put the spot on several TPE developments targeting critical challenges in the market and highlighting the material manufacturer’s leading role in the thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) segment.

“Fakuma is an important trade fair for major trends in plastics processing, and we welcome this opportunity to present innovative compounds and applications that emphasize both the economic and the sustainable potential of our advanced TPE technology,” says Franz Hinterecker, CEO at KRAIBURG TPE. “Under the theme ‘Discover KRAIBURG TPE, Solutions with Thermoplastic Elastomers’, our exhibit will focus on latest developments for exceptional feel & touch, weight and materials savings, and specific solutions that score with regard to circular economy”.

An overview of KRAIBURG TPE’s highlights at Fakuma:

Smooth Touch TPEs – addressing ‘New Standards in Haptics’, these compounds have a perfect fit in the design and packaging market. Optimum slip is another characteristic provided by the soft surface of the Smooth Touch TPEs. Due to their good adhesion to polyolefins, they are perfectly suited for multi-component injection molding. They meet the requirements of international standards for food contact applications and are available in customer-specific colors. Immediate applications include cosmetics packaging products as well as two-component parts for electronic systems, and household items.

THERMOLAST® K compounds with recycled content – TPEs with 20 to 40 percent of recycled material from post industrial resources (PIR), providing ozone stability, weatherability and a temperature resistance of 90°C for automotive exterior applications. The RC/UV compounds enable weight savings of up to 25 percent when compared with conventional TPEs. Application examples include wheel arch liners, drip rails and window encapsulations. They are available in hardness degrees of 50 to 90 Shore A, show good adhesion to polypropylene, and their PIR content contributes to a circular plastics economy.

Supersoft TPEs – the next generation of particularly soft, resilient and durable TPEs for an increasing variety of demanding injection molding and 3D printing applications. The Supersoft materials have a substantially reduced oil bleeding tendency and provide a pleasant skin-like touch. Their comprehensive regulatory conformity makes the newly developed TPEs suitable for paramedical products such orthotic devices, among others. First successful applications in the sports sector include gel pad inlays for cycling shorts.

Electrically conductive TPEs – conductive TPEs with defined electrical properties for the future market of intelligent applications ranging from innovative vehicle sensor systems to sportswear, functional wear, and safety clothing. They combine sealed, homogeneous surfaces with tack-free touch and provide excellent adhesion to various thermoplastics, including polyamides.

Lightweight TPEs – TPEs filled with 3M™ glass bubbles for extremely weight-saving components especially in automotive design and in the manufacturing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UVA, such as drones), power tools, textiles as well as sports and outdoor items. In contrast to expandable materials, these lightweighting TPE solutions enable very thin-walled moldings with high load capacity and excellent surface quality. Along with UV stability, specially developed grades also provide a particularly low compression set. Another series of these TPE materials is particularly targeted at eliminating the need for bonding agents in multi-component parts with polyamide.

All of these innovative product developments are globally available and manufactured to the same stringent quality standards at KRAIBURG TPE production sites in Europe, Asia and America.

KRAIBURG TPE will officially introduce the new Smooth Touch Technology at Fakuma. In addition, several webinars are planned to address the individual TPE highlights in greater detail. During the trade fair, the company’s material and market experts will be available for detailed expert discussions and interviews at booth B5 5303. For further information see our Fakuma Event Page

For arranging an appointment at Fakuma from October 12 to 16, please contact juliane.schmidhuber@kraiburg-tpe.com.

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.

23.09.2021 MEDIA PACKAGE FOR KRAIBURG TPE will address important market trends at Fakuma

Latest News

Sustainable Materials for Smart Trash Bin Applications
16.12.2025 Sustainable Materials for Smart Trash Bin Applications How can we ensure a high-performance TPE that delivers both quality and sustainability? The THERMOLAST® R series provides the answer—offering smart trash bins enhanced with up to 48% recycled content, safe soft-touch surfaces, and durable odor-sealing gaskets, buttons, and base pads. It’s a modern solution that combines functionality with sustainability in everyday recycling. read more
Material Innovations Supporting Safer Water Storage
09.12.2025 Material Innovations Supporting Safer Water Storage Looking for TPE that is suitable for seals, gaskets, and fluid components in cold and warm water systems? TF8ONG-NTRL ensures low odor, high hygiene, and compliance with global water safety standards for clean water from source to tap. read more
Redefining Ultrasound Device Performance with Healthcare TPE Compounds
02.12.2025 Redefining Ultrasound Device Performance with Healthcare TPE Compounds What materials ensure durability, safety, and ergonomics in ultrasound devices? Our medical-grade TPE, THERMOLAST® H provides soft-touch comfort, strong adhesion, sterilizability, and design flexibility for grips, seals, and control components in modern diagnostic equipment. read more
Driving Fuel Efficiency with THERMOLAST® K for Active Grill Shutters
25.11.2025 Driving Fuel Efficiency with THERMOLAST® K for Active Grill Shutters What makes Active Grille Shutters (AGS) effective at boosting vehicle fuel efficiency? By reducing drag and managing airflow, advanced TPE material, THERMOLAST® K provides lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant solutions for reliable AGS performance in all driving conditions. read more