Through the development of Recycling Content TPE and its exceptional adherence to PA, Hilti and KRAIBURG TPE have now effectively extended their relationship to encompass sustainability-focused projects. The foundation for this more than two-decade collaboration was the growing focus both companies placed on the growth of sustainable strategies and initiatives, particularly in areas where these could be integrated into the larger-scale development of new products and product components. Hilti additionally presents KRAIBURG TPE with the “Distinguished Honors – Special Products” award as part of the Supplier Recognition Model.
The goal of the 2021–2022 project collaboration between KRAIBURG TPE and tool maker Hilti was to create a recycling compound that could be used as a surface material for polyamide–based tool handles. KRAIBURG TPE began developing the new material in the summer of 2021 after defining the specifications for the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) to be freshly created. The primary objective was to incorporate as much PIR and PCR raw material as possible into the formulation. To put it another way, materials that might be recycled from private homes (PCR = post-consumer recycled) as well as industrial waste materials (PIR = post-industrial recycled).
Preserving the current qualities of the TPE in use was also crucial. Among these were the established hardness range and, more importantly, the adoption of the unique adherence to PA. Furthermore, throughout the next development phase, the thermoplastic elastomer’s flowability was enhanced even further. The development team at KRAIBURG TPE was able to provide the customer with a compound early in 2023 that still satisfies the essential specifications for the current material while also having a significant amount of recycled raw materials thanks to the recently created Recycling Content TPE.