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Sustainable and Cost-Effective Silicone Alternatives

Reduce costs and environmental impact with our sustainable TPEs — recyclable, versatile, and efficient silicone alternatives. Learn more now!

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For years, LSR, or liquid silicone rubber, has been the go-to for soft-touch applications like gaskets, tubing, seals, valves, and dropper bulbs. But, its environmental footprint along with increasing regulatory pressure is leaving manufacturers searching for eco-friendly silicone alternatives.

Teknor Apex understands this need and has developed thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) that replicate silicone’s performance, but without the same environmental impact. Our sustainable TPEs are proven to offer:

  • Recyclability: Easily recycled during production and at product end of life

  • Lower Environmental Impact: LSR’s production, from raw material sourcing to manufacturing, is energy-intensive

  • Versatility: Custom formulations to meet end use requirements, including ultra-low hardness and color matching

  • Manufacturing Efficiencies: Compatible with standard thermoplastic injection molding and extrusion equipment, with no post-treatment needed

  • Multi-Component Designs: Co-mold or co-extrude with PP; final products remain recyclable

  • Cost Savings: Up to 5x more cost-effective considering raw material costs and manufacturing efficiencies

TPE Success Stories: Replacing Silicone

Peristaltic pump with plastic tubes and rollers moving.
Peristaltic Pump Tubing Designed for Biopharma Applications

Solution: Medalist® TPEs

Key benefits:

  • Weldable and heat sealable
  • No curing necessary
  • Low permeability (air and moisture)
Tomato ketchup concept, a male hand squeezing ketchup bottle and the ketchup pouring in a bowl
Dispensing Valve for Food & Beverage or Personal Care Packaging

Solution: Monprene® TPEs

Key benefits:

  • Recycling compatibility with olefinic streams (full package recyclability)
  • Feels and performs like silicone
  • Formulation customization, including color
Close-up photo of golden dropper bottles, pipette pouring liquid serum. Golden bottles, serum liquid. Natural light creates shadows. Skincare product shot. Trendy modern beauty product presentation.
Dropper Bulbs for Beauty & Personal Care, Pharma, and Food & Beverage

Solution: Medalist® TPEs

Key benefits:

  • Recyclable
  • Short cycle times for better economics
  • Soft and silky feel mimicking silicone
silicone diving mask and snorkel set is displayed on a bright white background highlighting the gears sleek design and suitability for underwater exploration.
Mask Seals for Water Sports and Laboratory & Safety

Solution: Monprene® TPEs

Key benefits:

  • Lower carbon footprint, recyclable solution
  • Verified by end-users for performance, comfort, and fit
  • Cost effective

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