Part 2/3: Understanding the Compatibility of TPE in Recycling Streams

Although the number of hard/soft multi-material packaging applications has been growing considerably, the share of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) is still rather negligible compared to material components, such as polypropylene (PP). Also, the modified 94/62/EC Packaging Directive does not specify an individual material category for TPE. As a result, the packaging industry is striving to make sure that the TPE in their products is compatible with existing recycling streams.

It is important to understand that this compatibility depends on the impact of soft TPE materials, such as thermoplastic styrene block copolymer compounds (TPS), on the properties of the recycled polyolefin. To a large extend, this not just a matter of chemistry but of the physical and performance effects of the TPE on the polyolefin in the recycling stream. In other words, the resulting post-consumer recycle (PCR) may not be downgraded in the process by the added TPE.

In a pioneering project together with Institut cyclos-HTP, we assessed the co-recyclability of selected TPS materials by investigating their potential for any deviations in the normal polyolefin recycling stream that could have a negative influence on the PCR. In summary, the comprehensive testing has clearly confirmed that our TPS are fully compatible with PP and HDPE recycling streams. Appropriate certificates are publicly accessible and can be downloaded from our website.