Flexibility
A flexible material bends more readily than a rigid one.
ENGINEERING PLASTICS
TPE(Thermoplastic elastomer)
A family of rubber-like materials that can be shaped using thermoplastic processing.
Polymer / material family
THE NAME, EXPLAINED
What is TPE?
TPE means Thermoplastic elastomer.
A family of rubber-like materials that can be shaped using thermoplastic processing.
Worth knowing
TPE is an umbrella term. Ask for the actual chemistry: a TPE-S and a TPE based on another polymer may need different routes.
WHY MANUFACTURERS CHOOSE IT01 02 03
Properties with a practical purpose.
Elastic recovery
This is a typical reason for selecting suitable grades. Check the manufacturer’s data sheet for the actual formulation and service conditions.
Grade-dependent hardness
This is a typical reason for selecting suitable grades. Check the manufacturer’s data sheet for the actual formulation and service conditions.
Properties vary with formulation, reinforcement, moisture, processing and service conditions. Use the exact grade data sheet for engineering decisions.
THE NEXT-CYCLE QUESTION
What matters when considering recovery?
A known grade and a clean, separated batch make the recycling enquiry more useful. A route must still be agreed.
TPE is an umbrella term. Ask for the actual chemistry: a TPE-S and a TPE based on another polymer may need different routes.
Poly-Cycle can discuss your material information and collection requirements. Inclusion in this guide does not confirm acceptance, a particular recycling method or that every operation takes place at a Poly-Cycle facility.
How assessment and collection workMake the enquiry easier
- Confirm the identity. Keep the manufacturer, trade grade and polymer marking. For an additive or chemical, include the safety data sheet.
- Describe the batch. Give the weight, colour and form: pellets, parts, sheet, film, fibre or another format.
- Explain what else is present. Declare fillers, coatings, metal inserts, other polymers and previous contact with chemicals or other contaminants.
- Agree the route. Share photographs and your collection postcode before arranging a movement.
FROM THE GUIDE TO YOUR MATERIAL
Have TPE to discuss?
Send the team your grade details, approximate quantity and photographs. We can discuss the information needed for your particular batch.
KEEP EXPLORING
Browse Engineering Plastics Related material guides.
TPO
Thermoplastic polyolefin
A polyolefin-based material designed to combine plastic processing with a degree of rubber-like toughness.
Understand this material SBSStyrene-butadiene-styrene
A block copolymer with hard styrene sections and softer butadiene sections: useful where a material needs to flex.
Understand this material SEBSStyrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene
A hydrogenated styrenic elastomer used in soft, flexible compounds.
Understand this materialTechnical references and reading
General material information reviewed 1 November 2026. Manufacturer information supports the material descriptions; recycling enquiry guidance is an editorial synthesis, not a statement of a supplier’s or Poly-Cycle’s acceptance criteria.
Browse this guide under: Engineering Plastics. The original category inventory was informed by RM Group’s plastics directory; explanations have been written for Poly-Cycle.