Impact performance
This is a typical reason for selecting suitable grades. Check the manufacturer’s data sheet for the actual formulation and service conditions.
ENGINEERING PLASTICS
TPO(Thermoplastic polyolefin)
A polyolefin-based material designed to combine plastic processing with a degree of rubber-like toughness.
Polymer / material family
THE NAME, EXPLAINED
What is TPO?
TPO means Thermoplastic polyolefin.
A polyolefin-based material designed to combine plastic processing with a degree of rubber-like toughness.
Worth knowing
Formulations vary and may contain rubber and mineral filler. Do not identify TPO by appearance alone.
WHY MANUFACTURERS CHOOSE IT01 02 03
Properties with a practical purpose.
Low weight
This is a typical reason for selecting suitable grades. Check the manufacturer’s data sheet for the actual formulation and service conditions.
Grade-dependent flexibility
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.
Formulations vary and may contain rubber and mineral filler. Do not identify TPO by appearance alone.
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 TPO 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.
TPE
Thermoplastic elastomer
A family of rubber-like materials that can be shaped using thermoplastic processing.
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.