TPE / TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer / Rubber)

Also called: Thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic rubber, TPE, TPR, SEBS, SBS

TPE and TPR are rubber-like plastics that can be melted and remoulded, used in footwear, grips, seals and soft-touch parts.

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), often called thermoplastic rubber (TPR) in India, are materials that behave like rubber in use but can be melted and processed like plastics. Common families include styrenic block copolymers such as SBS and SEBS, TPV and TPU. Properties vary widely with formulation. They fall under resin code 7 (other).

Recycled forms traded

• Footwear sole trims and moulding rejects.
• Grip, seal and soft-touch moulding scrap, often overmoulded on PP or ABS.
• TPR regrind and recycled granules, frequently black or mixed colour.

Why it matters when buying recycled plastic

• TPE is a generic name; ask which chemistry the scrap is, since different types do not always mix.
• Shore hardness is the key specification. Agree a hardness range, not just the material name.
• Overmoulded parts carry a rigid substrate that must be separated or accepted as a blend.
• Oil and filler content affect feel and bleeding; check a moulded sample.

Common uses

Footwear soles, slippers, tool and toothbrush grips, seals and gaskets, cable jackets, mats and soft toys.