[CHINAPLAS 2017] KRAIBURG TPE premieres innovative compounds

At CHINAPLAS 2017, KRAIBURG TPE showcased an impressive portfolio of premium TPE compounds and custom-engineered solutions for consumer, automotive and medical applications.

In response to rising demand for high-tech materials used in the production of consumer electronics and high-end lifestyle products, KRAIBURG TPE launched its new cutting-edge VS/AD/HM series as part of the THERMOLAST® K product line at this exhibition. Mr. Roland Ritter, Director, Asia Pacific, talked about KRAIBURG TPE’s focus and directions in Asia

What are the exhibition highlights for KRAIBURG TPE at CHINAPLAS 2017?

Mr. Ritter: This year, we focused on our higher-end lifestyle TPE compound. One key highlight of this innovative TPE compound is anti-skin irritation, excellent abrasion and scratch resistance. The compound has a smooth and silky surface and excellent adhesion performance on technical thermoplastics. Another key advantage is the excellent chemical resistance against sebum and sun screens, just to name a few.

What are the typical applications for this compound?

Mr. Ritter: Typical applications for this compound include high-tech industry applications such as smartphone cases, headphones, remote controls or VR headsets. The compound is also ideal for the manufacture of high-end lifestyle products, such as exclusive cosmetic packaging.

Mr. Roland Ritter, Director, Asia Pacific

KRAIBURG TPE has expanded its offices regionally. Which countries does this reach extend to?

Mr. Ritter: KRAIBURG TPE is continuously expanding its network reach. It is our commitment to be the premium TPE manufacturer and global competence leader. In 2004, we successfully entered the Chinese market through a joint-venture with Milton Holdings. In 2007, we opened our local sales office in India, and we will be celebrating our Indian sales office’s 10^th year anniversary this year. We also opened our local sales office in Seoul, South Korea in 2017.

Today, our Asia Pacific sales network include sales offices in Malaysia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan and Singapore. We look forward to the opening of many other regional sales offices soon.

Which sectors do you see TPE demand growth to be particularly high?

Mr. Ritter: Apart from the automotive market, the consumer electronics industry will be our next big focus.  This is because the consumer electronic and electrical devices industries are increasing their use of TPE materials. Such applications include soft straps, smartphone cases, VR headsets and so on, making KRAIBURG TPE’s COPEC®, THERMOLAST® and For Tec E® ideal material solutions for the above industries, thanks to their special attributes such as comfort, easy colorability, silk soft feel, irritation-free effect and good adhesion.

How does KRAIBURG TPE plan to position itself in the Chinese market to compete against local Chinese TPE markets and other TPE markets from Europe?

Mr. Ritter: We offer a wide range of products to fit all applications, precision engineered and customized solutions, thanks to our years of experience and expertise.

Furthermore, we already established ourselves in China since 2004, and this has given us ample time to anticipate, identify and understand our customers in China. Beyond that, we work with a “Global local TPE” to offer our customers premium quality TPE compounds that meet global standards and exceed local expectations.

Does KRAIBURG TPE have plans to expand anywhere in the region?

Mr. Ritter: Yes, we will be adding one more production line in Malaysia which will be ready for operation in 2018 to meet increasing demand for our premium quality compounds.