Kraiburg TPE launches the FC/CM3/AD1 series, a thermoplastic compound that significantly increases the durability of reusable food containers and cosmetic packaging. Thanks to superior mechanical properties, resistance to fats and compliance with the most stringent European and US regulations, the new materials help reduce reliance on single-use packaging and extend the lifecycle of packaging.
Growing consumer awareness of environmental and sustainability matters has led to a steady increase in demand for reusable products across many sectors. Typical examples are food containers such as lunch boxes, blender cups and lidded bowls, in which particularly the lid seals are often made from thermoplastic elastomers.
The prolonged use of these end products, however, requires reliable materials that guarantee not only long-term physiological safety, but also superior mechanical durability to reduce replacement frequency and, consequently, waste generation.
Regulatory compliance and mechanical performance
With the new FC/CM3/AD1 compound series, Kraiburg TPE meets the requirements of the two most important regulations for food contact applications: the European Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 and Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (21CFR §177.2600) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.
The new series has been developed specifically for contact with fatty foods – such as meat, cooking oils, condiments and sauces – and is also distinguished by its pleasant tactile feel and improved organoleptic properties. Target applications include reusable food packaging, cosmetic applications, flexible hoses and conveyor belts in food processing.
In recent years we have intensively addressed this topic and invested heavily in developing new TPS compounds for safe food contact applications," states Dirk Olberding, Consumer Market Manager at Kraiburg TPE. "Thanks to in-depth analyses and migration studies, we have succeeded in determining precise calculation bases for migration properties and transferring them to the formulation of commercial TPS types.
Optimised formulation to reduce migration
The relevant regulations for plastic applications in direct contact with food define strict limit values for the permitted migration of material components. Kraiburg TPE meets the requirements that both regulations impose on compound compositions, with a formulation designed to minimise migration potential.
Olberding emphasises that, due to their variable combinability, TPE compounds can exhibit very complex migration behaviour.
The ideal solution is therefore to adapt the TPE formulation of individual series as closely as possible to the intended contact media. To ensure this, we have followed two different approaches in formulating the materials: on the one hand examining individual raw materials and their interaction, on the other always keeping in mind the migration potential of the final product.
Durability that reduces waste
Thanks to their resistant surface and excellent mechanical properties, Kraiburg TPE's new materials significantly increase the durability of reusable containers and lids, making a concrete contribution to reducing packaging waste. Greater durability means fewer replacements and, consequently, lower environmental impact throughout the product's lifecycle.
Adhesion to various polar thermoplastics – such as Tritan (PCT-G), PET, SAN, PC, ABS, PA6 and PA12 – has been successfully tested, offering manufacturers flexibility in choosing materials for the container body. Thanks to their excellent resilience, demonstrated by hysteresis tests, and outstanding tear and puncture resistance values, the compounds are also ideal for cosmetic and food packaging subjected to repeated use cycles.
Processability and availability
The new range is easily processable with standard thermoplastic processes, allowing ample freedom in component design without requiring modifications to existing production facilities. The compounds are manufactured at the KRAIBURG TPE facility in Waldkraiburg and are immediately available worldwide.
In compliance with European and US regulatory directives, the newly designed Thermolast K compounds of the FC/CM3/AD1 series enable significantly improved migration control compared to conventional TPS. Their minimised migration potential, combined with superior mechanical properties that significantly extend the lifecycle of reusable products, makes them particularly suitable for sustainability-oriented packaging and waste reduction.
