We human beings are living in a rapidly advancing world that is proceeding towards a more modernized lifestyle with every passing moment.
This lifestyle is supported by the ever-so-innovative products that we buy and use every day.
Businesses are adapting to this ever-increasing need for innovation. But nowadays innovativeness is not the only factor to be considered by companies while giving physique and shape to a product, products have to suit the environment in the best possible way as well.
This is due to the reason that our health is directly impacted by the type of environment we live in. This means that if there are pollutants in our environment, they circulate through our bodies as well, exposing us to the danger of contracting diseases.
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) is one such example of a novel product that has extensive uses in the automotive and household appliance industries among others. But as eco-conscious and responsible consumers, we pose the same question. Is TPE eco-friendly?
The answer to this question is a Yes. TPE is eco-friendly.
About TPE
Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), also referred to as thermoplastic rubber, is a type of synthetic or artificial rubber. TPE is extensively used in different industries including footwear, sports equipment, and insulation.
It has thermoplastic properties which means it can be molded into different shapes if heated at a certain temperature.
Moreover, as its name says, TPE is elastomeric in nature. This means if an external force is applied to TPE, it can easily regain its original shape when the force is removed.
Considering the large-scale usage of thermoplastic elastomers, their application has developed over a long period of time and it is currently growing at a very fast pace.
TPE and Its Environmental Friendliness
The extensive use of TPE is due to the fact that the production of this rubber is easier than other types of synthetic rubber.
This is due to the reason that the production process of TPE requires lesser energy in contrast to other rubber types, which in turn not only has profitable implications from a business point of view.
But, this also translates into a lesser carbon footprint or lower harm to the environment as lesser fuel is consumed and lesser smoke is released into the atmosphere.
Moreover, TPE’s ability to withstand changes in environment and temperature has also contributed to its ever-increasing use.
Alongside this, and TPE’s other excellent properties including good appearance and easy use, TPE is also free of plasticizers.
Plasticizers are toxic chemicals that are added to plastics to make them flexible but are harmful to human health and the environment.
Moreover, different manufacturers spread across different industries are switching from other plastics and rubbers to TPE because it is recyclable.
Not only does it lead to beneficial cost savings for businesses, but processed TPE could again be used to make products due to its distinguished chemical composition.
FAQs
- Is TPE material biodegradable?
Yes. TPE material is biodegradable in nature. This means that it undergoes biodegradation over time which is a chemical process in which micro-organisms in the environment convert materials into natural substances such as carbon dioxide and water.
- Does TPE have the property of being hypoallergenic?
Yes. TPE has the property of being hypoallergenic. This means that the people who are allergic or sensitive to silicone (a widely used chemical in making rubber) could use products made of TPE because it does not contain silicones.
- Is TPE carcinogenic?
No. TPE is not carcinogenic. This means that it does not contain any cancer-causing chemicals. Resultantly, TPE is also used in the food industry.
