HEXPOL Unifies Thermoplastics and TPE Businesses Into One Global Organisation

HEXPOL, the international polymer group, has brought its Thermoplastics and TPE companies together into a single business area. The move will make it easier for customers to access material expertise and accelerate R&D, regulatory and sustainable development projects. The HEXPOL Thermoplastics organisation will focus on delivering customer-specific materials and innovations for the future.  

“We apply our materials know-how and decades of experience to help customers turn ideas into products,” said Jan Wikström, president of HEXPOL Thermoplastics. “Our thermoplastics business is growing, but the goal is not just scale. It is about improving material performance and pushing boundaries. We are meeting challenges with proven solutions tailored to application, technology and sustainability targets”.

HEXPOL operates 14 thermoplastics sites across America, China and Europe:

• almaak international with two sites in Germany.
• HEXPOL TPE has six sites in Sweden, the UK, Germany, China and the US.
• McCann Plastics has two sites in the US.
• Piedmont Resin Supply in the US.
• RheTech has three sites in the US.

The portfolio covers over 20 thermoplastic materials groups:

• Engineering Thermoplastics, including PA, PC, ABS, ASA, PBT and their blends
• Polyolefins, including glass, mineral and natural fibre reinforced PP and PE
• Colour masterbatch and performance additives
• Rotomolding compounds, alloys and pulverised powders
• Thermoplastic Elastomers based on TPS, TPO, TPV, TPU, TPC and soft PVC

Application Specific Know-How

HEXPOL’s thermoplastic materials are used in applications such as mobility, infrastructure, energy, consumer and medical. Automotive and circularity are a major focus. HEXPOL’s Thermoplastics companies have a long experience working with recycled materials. With the almaak site in Germany also operates in-house recycling to ensure consistency and performance. This is helping the automotive industry achieve sustainability goals, including the EU End-of-Life Vehicle Directive. HEXPOL offer an expanding portfolio of thermoplastic materials with approvals from automotive OEMs, including BMW, Ford, Geely, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Volvo and VW.

HEXPOL also supply thermoplastic materials for sensitive applications, such as medical devices, toys, and food contact. Prioritising safety, it works in accordance with relevant regulations, carefully selects raw materials, and conducts robust testing. Its site in Sweden was the first TPE producer in Europe to achieve ISO 13485 certification, the quality management system for the medical device industry.

Hard and Soft Material Combinations

By uniting its TPE and thermoplastic teams, HEXPOL can offer ready-tested material combinations for multi-component applications. The addition of reinforcement, such as glass fibre or flame-retardant additives, makes bonding challenging. Achieving adhesion synchronisd materials becomes even more difficult with the increased use of recycled content. The new HEXPOL Thermoplastics organisation will develop and test material combinations that ensure chemical compatibility and adhesion performance.

Transparency on Sustainable Development

HEXPOL Thermoplastics integrates environmental, social, and governance considerations into its strategy and daily operations. With a focus on responsible sourcing, increased use of recycled and renewable materials, and operational excellence. Progress is tracked and verified through internal controls and third-party assessments, such as EcoVadis and ISCC PLUS. Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data is calculated for many of its materials, and its European TPE sites have achieved TÜV Rheinland certification for their PCF methodology.

Wikström added, “I’m proud of the global team of thermoplastics specialists we are building. I believe this new organisation will benefit our customers. We have the experience to understand what’s needed, and the materials knowledge to challenge what’s possible”.

Read more about HEXPOL’s work here.

HEXPOL TPE
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