HEXPOL has expanded its automotive materials portfolio with thermoplastics and thermoplastic elastomers that contain post-consumer recyclate (PCR), including grades with more than 80% recycled content. The company presented the new materials at Fakuma 2026 in Germany.
The portfolio covers PC/ABS, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), reinforced polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). Depending on polymer type, application requirements and material availability, the compounds contain recycled content ranging from 10% to more than 80%. Selected grades also incorporate more than 25% end-of-life vehicle recyclate.
Materials and target applications
The materials were developed by HEXPOL's almaak, RheTech and TPE companies. They are designed for automotive interior and exterior components, including center consoles, trim, bumper brackets, inlay mats, sidesteps, mudflaps, grommets, electronic housings and noise- and vibration-dampening parts.
The compounds are intended to address automotive manufacturers' requirements for recycled plastics while maintaining material consistency and performance. Dr. Thomas Köppl, global head of product management for HEXPOL Thermoplastics, said the company is supporting the automotive industry to meet growing requirements for plastic materials containing post-consumer recyclate.
Köppl added that HEXPOL manages mechanical performance, color stability, odor, volatile organic compound emissions and long-term durability in its recycled-content compounds. Those controls are relevant for parts that must meet appearance, emission and durability needs in automotive use.
Testing for multicomponent molding
The company also tested several PC/ABS and TPE combinations for multicomponent molding. Adhesion testing conducted according to ASTM D903 showed peel strength greater than 5 newtons per millimeter, HEXPOL said.
Specific compounds
- Anjacom PC/ABS R050/75S PCR contains 30% post-consumer recyclate and is intended for center consoles, cupholders and interior trim. HEXPOL said the material is already in serial production with Volkswagen Group for the Cupra brand.
- Anjacom ABS R050/7020 PCR also contains 30% recycled content and targets interiors, bumper brackets and glovebox covers.
- Rhecomp RCT230-00 is a polypropylene compound reinforced with 20% talc and contains 80% post-consumer recyclate. Rhecomp RCG230-00 is a glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene grade containing 40% recycled content. Both are intended for brackets, wire channels and shields.
- Dryflex PCR 753468-3 is a thermoplastic styrene elastomer containing 75% post-consumer recyclate for inlay mats. Dryflex PCW 90A331B is a thermoplastic polyolefin containing 33% end-of-life vehicle recyclate for exterior applications and mudflaps.
The new post-consumer recyclate compounds supplement the company's existing portfolio of materials containing post-industrial recyclate. HEXPOL said the range is designed to support automotive customers that need recycled plastic materials while maintaining consistency and performance.
At Fakuma, HEXPOL TPE was exhibiting in Hall B1, stand 1117, while almaak was located in Hall B2, stand 2214.