TPE in children's toys

Wide range of hardnesses for greater safety

A key advantage is the exceptionally wide range of hardnesses – from Shore 00 to Shore A to Shore D. Particularly noteworthy are the extremely soft hardness grades within this material class. For toys, this means a noticeable reduction in the risk of injury, for example in the event of falls or collisions. At the same time, these soft settings enable pronounced grip and anti-slip properties.Children's tools, motor skills toys, and control elements benefit from soft-grip zones that provide a secure hold and support fine motor skills.

In addition, TPEs have damping properties. They absorb shocks and protect both the product and its surroundings. This can be seen, for example, in fall protection covers for jukeboxes or in throwing toys. Tires for toy vehicles are also typical applications:TPE tires run quietly, leave no marks on floors, and offer sufficient elasticity.

Adhesion as a safety-relevant factor

Another important aspect is adhesion in multi-component applications. TPE can be combined with various thermoplastics such as PP, PA, or PC/ABS. High adhesion is crucial here—especially for products for babies and toddlers.

In teething rings, the TPE must adhere reliably to a PP carrier to prevent material detachment. The same applies to baby spoons or bottle handles: the mechanical properties must be designed so that no material can be bitten off. High tear resistance and structural integrity are essential here and represent a key safety aspect.

Colors, transparency, and surface variety

Toys are all about design. TPE can be colored in almost any shade—from bold primary colors to soft pastel tones. Thermoplastic elastomers offer impressive design possibilities and precise colorability. Highly transparent compounds are also possible, for example for backlit play elements where light and material aesthetics can be combined. Transparency opens up additional design options without compromising mechanical performance.

The ability to modify surfaces further expands the spectrum: high-grip surfaces ensure a secure hold, while low-friction variants ensure a comfortable fit in applications such as baby sunglasses. In addition, visible pigments or sparkle effects can be integrated. Excellent flow properties allow for precise embossing and textured surfaces.

Hygiene and suitability for everyday use

Children's toys are used intensively. Easy-to-clean surfaces are therefore important. TPEs are generally easy to clean and disinfect. They are abrasion-resistant and chemically resistant. In game consoles or electronic toys, a “smooth touch” feel ensures pleasant skin contact while maintaining high resistance. This combination of comfort and robustness is particularly relevant in everyday use.

Typical toy applications

The range of applications is wide: soft elements such as flexible horns or wings on toy figures, paintable surfaces, foldable sand buckets with high elasticity, or functional components that allow for targeted deformation.TPE is also used as sealing elements. Tires for toy vehicles benefit from the material's abrasion resistance, while soft-grip buttons and ergonomic controls support motor development and enable safe handling. And last but not least, parents also appreciate TPE – at the latest when they step on sharp fins, wings, or other toys in their children's rooms at night: Thanks to the soft material, the pain at night is significantly less than with hard plastics.

Regulatory requirements

Toys are subject to clearly defined legal requirements. Among other things, DIN EN 71-3 limits the use of ingredients containing heavy metals. Materials must be tested for migration, mechanical strength, and chemical composition.

In the baby sector, the requirements are even more demanding, especially for applications that come into contact with food. Baby spoons are one example of this. Regulations such as EU No 10/2011, US FDA CFR 21, GB 4806.7-2023, and MERCOSUR (GMC Res. No. 03/92, 02/12, 39/19) apply here . Special migration tests are also required.

TPE in baby accessories

The versatility of TPE is particularly evident in baby products. Teething rings need to be soft, secure and highly tear-resistant. Baby spoons must be soft enough to prevent injuries in the mouth, but at the same time remain mechanically robust.

TPE offers a transparent alternative to fully cross-linked silicones for pacifiers. Baby bottles benefit from non-slip grip zones that allow children to hold the bottle independently. Suction cups made of TPE securely attach baby dishes to the table. Baby toothbrushes for the early teething stage are also often made entirely of soft TPE.

Focus on sustainability

In addition to performance and safety, sustainability is becoming increasingly important. TPE compounds can be formulated with bio-based raw materials or recycled content. ISCC PLUS mass-balanced solutions are also feasible. This allows the demand for more sustainable raw materials to be increased without compromising regulatory standards.

Conclusion

TPS-based TPEs offer a technically mature, versatile property profile in the field of children's toys and baby accessories. They combine softness, adhesion, design freedom, hygiene, and regulatory compliance in a single material concept. This combination is particularly crucial in sensitive applications where safety is a top priority. At KRAIBURG TPE, we have developed numerous compounds that are already established on the market and bring a sparkle to children's eyes. We look forward to hearing about your experiences and exchanging ideas with you.