Kraiburg TPE: Goods and gold for sustainability

Advanced TPEs for headset

KRAIBURG TPE, a global manufacturer in innovative thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), provides material solutions designed to reduce carbon footprints while meeting the demands of various applications, including headsets.

Everyday electronic devices like headsets can contribute to the growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste) at every stage of their lifecycle. Beyond addressing e-waste at its source, using eco-friendly materials that comply with global safety standards and align with market demand for sustainability can help manufacturers unplug from the e-waste cycle.

Sustainable TPE for lower carbon impact

KRAIBURG TPE, a global manufacturer in innovative thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), provides material solutions designed to reduce carbon footprints while meeting the demands of various applications, including headsets. 

These materials contain up to 48% post-consumer recycled (PCR) and 50% post-industrial recycled (PIR) content, conforming to various global standards, including REACH SVHC and RoHS, ensuring they are free of restricted chemicals or hazardous substances as per European regulations. 

The TPE series also meets food contact regulatory criteria, including (FDA) CFR 21. Additionally, the compounds comply with the Global Recycle Standard (GRS) for the sustainable use of recycled materials in products.

TPEs for optimised tecyclability

These compounds provide easy adhesion to PP, ABS/PC, and PA, along with UV stability and resistance to temperature, chemicals, and abrasion.

Featuring traceable bio-based carbon content certified by ASTM D 6866, they can be processed similarly to fossil-based TPE and are recyclable in post-consumer waste streams. In-process recycling is also possible, with individual compounds containing more than 60% bio-content.

Style on the beat with TPE

Kraiburg TPE’s compounds are highly versatile, meeting the design and functionality requirements of electronic device manufacturers. Available in various shades, these TPE compounds are colourable, offering options for precise coloring and pre-colouringcustomisation, for products to stand out.

Designed for durability, within a hardness range of 30 to 85 Shore A, they also feature soft-touch, non-slip, and oil-free grip properties, allowing for easier handling and assembly. This results in headsets that are comfortable to wear and can withstand daily use.

As well, the compounds offer a smooth touch experience, which is an essential quality for products that will be frequently handled or used in applications requiring tactile interaction.
Audio devices made with Kraiburg TPE’s materials are sure to benefit from reliable, high-quality performance.

Furthermore, Kraiburg TPE’s commitment to sustainability in its manufacturing processes allows customers to utilise materials that are environmentally friendly and promote responsible sourcing practices. This aligns with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly electronics and enhances a brand's reputation.

Sustainability par excellence: EcoVadis awards KRAIBURG TPE with gold medal

After winning multiple site-specific awards in Germany, Malaysia, and the USA, Kraiburg TPE has earned a gold medal for the first time as a company-wide recognition from EcoVadis in 2025. This places the company among the top performers in both the plastics industry and EcoVadis’s overall sustainability ranking.

EcoVadis, one of the world’s largest sustainability rating platforms, has assessed nearly three million and rated 150,000 companies globally. Its evaluations focus on Environment, Labor and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. Companies must rank in the top 35% for bronze, top 15% for silver, and top 5% for gold.

CEO Oliver Zintner stated that sustainability is a core part of the company’s strategy and has recently been formalised as one of its six key competencies. He noted that achieving gold on the first company-wide rating was gratifying but saw it as the result of a long-term improvement process supported across all departments.

Sustainability has been embedded in Kraiburg TPE’s operations since its founding in 2001. Key milestones include ISO 14001 certification in 2002, production of recycled-content TPEs in 2010, ISO 15001 certification in 2013, and solar energy and EV charging infrastructure projects. The company joined the Carbon Disclosure Project in 2021, earned ISCC PLUS certification in 2023, and launched its “Climate Program 2031” aiming to cut Scope 1 and 2 CO2e emissions by 46.2% and Scope 3 by 27.5%. In 2024, both Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG and KRAIBURG Holding SE & Co. KG signed the UN Global Compact.

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