Avient Corporation extends its resound REC Recycled Content Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) portfolio with new AF 7210 grades specifically developed for automotive interior applications such as mats, grips and console trays.

Avient introduces new reSound REC AF 7210 TPE grades for automotive interior applications.

Supporting ELV Directive

“The introduction of new proposals such as the ELV Directive puts additional pressure on OEMs and automotive tier-one suppliers to deliver on incorporating more recycled content,” explained Matt Mitchell, Director, Global Marketing of Specialty Engineered Materials.

The European Commission proposed the End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive which stipulates that a minimum of 25% of the plastics used in vehicles sold in 2030 must be sourced from post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. Of that, 25% must be from circular or closed-loop streams within the automotive industry.

Recycled TPE grades for automotive interior

The new reSound REC AF 7210 TPE grades contain 51-59% recycled content, with a minimum of 37% from PCR sources, including closed-loop feedstock.

They offer an 8-18% reduction in product carbon footprint (PCF) compared to virgin TPE grades, which is calculated with third-party certified PCF Calculator by TÜV Rheinland according to ISO 14067.

At the same time, the grades provide comparable performance to 100% virgin equivalents and meet various OEM specifications.

The reSound REC AF 7210 TPE grades are available in hardnesses ranging from 43-90 Shore A and can be used for overmolding onto polypropylene (PP) substrates. They have good UV stability and meet standards for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fogging, making them ideal for automotive interior applications.