HEXPOL presents new developments in automotive thermoplastics and TPE with PCR recyclate
At the Fakuma 2026 exhibition in Germany, HEXPOL’s Thermoplastics business area presented a further expansion of its automotive materials portfolio containing Post-Consumer Recyclate (PCR).
The portfolio includes PC/ABS and ABS, reinforced PP, and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). Depending on polymer type, technical requirements of the end application and availability, materials with PCR levels from 10 to over 80% are offered, including selected grades with more than 25% end-of-life vehicle recyclate. Developed by HEXPOL’s almaak, RheTech, and TPE companies, these materials can be used for automotive interior and exterior parts, including consoles, trim, bumper brackets, inlay mats, sidesteps, mudflaps, grommets, electronic housing, and noise and vibration dampening.Â
Dr. Thomas Köppl, Global Head of Product Management for HEXPOL Thermoplastics, commented, “We’re supporting the automotive industry to meet growing requirements for plastic materials containing Post-Consumer Recyclate. For our PCR compounds, we carefully manage material consistency, mechanical performance, color stability, odor, VOC emissions and long-term durability”.
For multicomponent molding, several combinations of PC/ABS and TPE were tested according to ASTM D903, which measures the adhesion between materials. They showed excellent peel strength over 5N/mm.
Examples of automotive materials containing PCR recyclate include:
MATERIAL | TYPE | PCR Content | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
Anjacom® PC/ABS R050/75S PCR | PC/ABS | 30% PCR | Center consoles, cupholders, interior trims |
Anjacom® ABS R050/7020 PCR | ABS | 30% PCR | Interiors, bumper brackets, glovebox covers |
Rhecomp RCT230-00 | PP-TD20 | 80% PCR | Brackets, wire channels, shields |
Rhecomp RCG230-00 | PP-GF30 | 40% PCR | Brackets, wire channels, shields |
Dryflex® PCR 753468-3 | TPS | 75% PCR | Inlay mats |
Dryflex® PCW 90A331B | 33% ELV-PCR | Exteriors, mudflaps |
The thermoplastic materials are in use with several OEMs, including Anjacom PC/ABS R050/75S, which is in serial use with VW Group for the Cupra.
“Each of HEXPOL’s Thermoplastics companies works with recycled feedstocks. And we have done so for decades. Every day we test new material combinations to achieve performance, safety and cost targets. We are pleased to add these PCR thermoplastics to our extensive automotive offering of Post-Industrial Recyclate (PIR) compounds”, added Köppl.
About HEXPOL Thermoplastics
HEXPOL’s Thermoplastics business area brings together an international team across three continents. They develop customized thermoplastic materials for industries such as mobility, infrastructure, energy, consumer and medical. With a portfolio covering 20+ material groups, including engineering thermoplastics, reinforced polyolefins, TPE, rotomolding materials, color and additive masterbatch, and cable compounds. HEXPOL Thermoplastics offers global reach with local support to deliver proven solutions tailored to application, technology and sustainability targets. www.hexpol.com/thermoplastics/