Innovative TPEs for broader applications

What are the highlights of KRAIBURG TPE presence at Chinaplas 2018?

 

Mr. Ritter: Market demand for TPEs for automotive application are gaining traction not only in China but the rest of the world.  Increasing consumer spending on cars with aesthetic features and high quality and innovative automotive parts is likely to stimulate future TPE product demand, especially for Electro-mobility (E-mobility) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

 

The highlights of the innovative TPE products such as the EPDM adhesion series for exterior provide optimal adhesion to EPDM which guarantees short cooling times, low coefficient of friction, heat resistance up to 90°C, easy flowing and processing; and many other impressive attributes, and typical applications for this compound include: Automotive Exterior, Corner Moulding, Door sills, glass Run Channel, Window encapsulations etc. We also promote the higher end lifestyle TPE compound that features anti-skin irritation, excellent abrasion and scratch resistance; smooth and silky surface, excellent adhesion performance on technical thermoplastic; excellent chemical resistance against sebum and sun screens, just to name a few; and with typical applications for this compound include: High-tech industry applications such as smartphone cases, headphones, remote controls or VR headsets. They are also ideal for the manufacture of high-end lifestyle products such, as exclusive cosmetic packaging.

  

Our innovative TPE product attributes help business, manufacturers and business owner to stay competitive in business by using technology advances to help them stay ahead.  The use of thermoplastic elastomers(TPEs) has seen significant increases, helping business explore endless product application possibilities, innovate and remain competitive.  More and more product developers and product designers choose to work with TPEs because of its extraordinary mechanical properties.

 

What are your company’s major exhibits at the exhibition fairground? Why are they chosen?

 

Mr. Ritter: We are showcasing our latest and successful design and functional applications specifically targeted to the automotive, consumer and consumer electronics, packaging, industry and medical sectors. Our goal is to inform and share visitors on our innovative product design and functional applications which will be most certainly have a positive impact on their respective industries.

 

Which application fields will your company be focusing on for 2018? How do you see the developmental trends for the said fields? 

 

Mr. Ritter: We will be focusing on every application sectors and not target specific to a region but on a global-scale. As for developmental trends, we foresee significant growth due to rapid industrialisation and increase in global efforts to promote environmental conservation initiatives, such as Eco, recyclability and reusability.

 

Which sector do you see TPE growth to be most concentrated?

 

Mr. Ritter: Apart from the automotive market, the consumer electronics industry will be the big focus. This is because the consumer electronic and electrical devices industries are increasing the demand of using TPE materials. Such applications include soft straps, smartphone cases, VR headsets and so forth – making KRAIBURG TPE‘s COPEC®, THERMOLAST® and For Tec E® ideal material solutions for the above industries, thanks to their material attributes, such as comfort, easy colourability, silky soft, irritation-free and good adhesion and other winning features.

 

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

 

Mr. Ritter: We offer wide range of products to fit all applications, precision engineering and tailor-made solutions thanks to our years of experience and expertise. Furthermore, we had 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.  

 

Mr. Roland Ritter, Director for Asia Pacific

 

Can you reveal any forthcoming company development plans and strategic moves, such as increasing production capacity and exploring new markets?

 

Mr. Ritter: In addition to establishing a new extrusion line at company’s headquarters, KRAIBURG TPE has also continuously developed the sites in North America and Asia. In the USA, KRAIBURG TPE has already relocated to a new production plant in Buford (near Atlanta, Georgia) in 2016. 

 

With regards to increasing production capacity, KRAIBURG TPE’s Malaysia plant will be adding a new production line in 2018 to boost production capacity by a further 35%. We have recently expanded KRAIBURG TPE Malaysia’s office building and warehouse to meet increasing market demands in the Asia Pacific region.

 

We will also be enhancing our sales network in Hanoi, Vietnam and Chengdu in China to build better brand presence and serve our ever-growing customer base better.  

 

Any other news from China or Asia Pacific, e.g. regarding new standard or certifications?

 

Mr. Ritter: We are also proud to announce that our specific TPE compounds meet China’s high GuoBiao (GB)- National Food Safety standards. This is yet another achievement for the company’s measure of success and a milestone achievement in KRAIBURG TPE’s quest for continuous product quality innovation to meet stringent worldwide quality standards. 

 

How was KRAIBURG TPE’s global performance for 2017? And how was its business in Asia?

 

Mr. Ritter: Globally speaking, our performance had been very encouraging in 2017, especially within China and Asia on the macro level. We are confident of achieving even better results in 2018 and beyond, given that our global sales revenue increased by 6.6% (2017 vs 2016).

 

How does KRAIBURG TPE measure its success?

 

Mr. Ritter: KRAIBURG TPE measures its success by customer satisfaction through a unique quality concept that takes people, processes and products into account. This unique quality concept is centred on exceptional, high quality and custom-engineered compounds. It further adds value to customers by its commitment to technical expertise, individual advisory, and excellent customer service. The company’s motto “KRAIBURG TPE, Custom-engineered TPE and more” quite literally takes customers’ challenges as its own, and goes the extra mile to steadfastly stay by the customer’s side via best customer service, expert support, international network, and best and highest standards of product quality worldwide – ensuring and rewarding customers with the global service package offered.