Automotive Interiors – “Revolutionary Breakthrough: How KRAIBURG’s GRS-Certified TPE Transforms Automotive Interiors with Unmatched Sustainability, Superior Performance, and Next-Level Eco-Innovation for a Greener Future” 27-10-2025
Automotive Interiors – Introduction
In the realm of automotive interiors, clutter can quickly turn a comfortable cabin into a cramped mess. Whether it’s mobile phones, keys, loose coins, snacks or tools, keeping small items orderly calls for smart, compact storage solutions. What’s more, today’s vehicle owners expect those solutions to be crafted from materials that perform—and align with sustainability goals. That’s where KRAIBURG TPE steps in, offering GRS-certified thermoplastic elastomers that meet both function and eco-conscious design.
Sustainable Material Innovation
KRAIBURG TPE is a global specialist in thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and custom material solutions for automotive, consumer, industrial and medical markets. kraiburg-tpe.com+1
For automotive interiors specifically, KRAIBURG offers GRS-certified material solutions, signalling strong commitment to sustainability and recycled content. kraiburg-tpe.com+1
Their certified TPE compounds deliver more than 70 % recycled raw material content—a bold step to support the circular economy while maintaining high functional performance.
Performance Meets Practicality
These TPEs are available in a wide hardness range—from soft non-slip surfaces to more structurally rigid components—tailored for automotive interior parts such as storage trays, mats or function-centric interfaces. They exhibit excellent adhesion to polypropylene (PP) and work well in single- or multi-component injection-moulding. That means manufacturers can integrate these materials into their existing production flows without sacrificing quality.
In addition to tactile feel and durability, KRAIBURG’s interior TPE solutions comply with key automotive standards for emissions and odor—such as VDA 278 VOC, DIN 75201-B fogging and VDA 270 B-3 odor metrics—so the material supports a healthier in-cab environment. kraiburg-tpe.com+1
Why It Matters
For OEMs and tier-suppliers, two major pressures converge: performance demands from drivers and regulatory or consumer demands for sustainability. By utilising TPE compounds with over 70 % recycled content and low-emissions credentials, interior storage tray designs (and other cabin components) can align with both priorities. On the user side, durable non-slip surfaces and premium tactile feel enhance the product experience. On the production side, compatibility with established processes means minimal disruption.
Use-Case Focus: Storage Trays & Cabin Organisation
Think of the vehicle cabin storage tray: it must be compact, fit seamlessly, resist daily wear, avoid slipping items, handle UV or temperature changes, and also reflect brand values such as eco-friendliness. The TPE materials from KRAIBURG are tailored for exactly that: they offer non-sticky dry haptics (no grease feel), strong adhesion for multi-component parts, and environmental performance that supports consumer trust. Because they are GRS-certified and meet automotive interior emission/odor standards, they become a credible material choice for high-end applications.
Implementation Tips for Designers & Engineers
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Choose the right hardness grade (e.g., from Shore A 25 to 95) depending on application – softer surfaces for comfort, harder grades for structural stability.
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Consider process compatibility: single-component or multi-component injection moulding can both be supported.
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Verify that adhesive bonding to PP (or other substrates) is required — KRAIBURG states strong adhesion to PP. kraiburg-tpe.com+1
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Assess emissions and odor credentials for clients demanding high-interior-air-quality standards.
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Highlight recycled content and certification (GRS) in your product spec to appeal to sustainability-conscious markets.
Conclusion
In sum, KRAIBURG TPE’s GRS-certified thermoplastic elastomers present a compelling option for automotive interior components: they combine high recycled content (over 70 %), performance credentials (low emissions, strong adhesion, broad hardness range) and production-friendly compatibility. For companies looking to modernise vehicle cabins, improve user experience and meet sustainability benchmarks, these materials offer meaningful value.
