Recycled Content TPEs for Automotive Interior Applications

Avient’s new TPE grades with recycled contents have been added to its portfolio of reSound REC Recycled Content TPEs, specifically developed for interior automotive applications, including mats, grips and console trays. This is said to support the proposed European Union’s new targets as part of the End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive.

Overall, Avient’s AF 7210 TPE grades contain 51% to 59% recycled content, with a minimum of 37% from PCR sources, including closed-loop feedstock. The TPEs are said to provide comparable performance to 100% virgin equivalents and meet various OEM specifications. They offer an 8% to 18% reduction in product carbon footprint compared to virgin TPE grades. These grades are available in hardnesses ranging from 43 to 90 Shore A and can be used for overmolding onto polypropylene (PP) substrates. They boast good UV stability and meet standards for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fogging, making them acceptable for use in interior automotive applications.

The new reSound REC AF 7210 TPE grades are available in hardnesses ranging from 43 to 90 Shore A and can be used for overmolding onto polypropylene (PP) substrates. They also have good UV stability and meet standards for VOCs and fogging, making them acceptable for use in interior automotive applications.

“The introduction of new proposals such as the ELV Directive puts additional pressure on OEMs and automotive tier-one suppliers to deliver on incorporating more recycled content,” says Matt Mitchell, Avient’s global marketing director of specialty engineered materials. “With a minimum of 37% postconsumer recycled content, the new reSound REC AF 7210 TPE grades offer over the minimum 25% recycled content required by the directive, helping customers towards compliance.”