Hexpol expands automotive compounds with PCR recyclate
At Fakuma 2026, the Thermoplastics business area of Hexpol presented an expanded portfolio of automotive materials, including PC/ABS, ABS, reinforced PP and TPE, with post-consumer recyclate content from 10 to over 80%.
At the Fakuma 2026 exhibition in Germany, the Thermoplastics business area of Hexpol presented a further expansion of its portfolio of automotive materials containing post-consumer recyclate (PCR). The portfolio includes PC/ABS and ABS, reinforced polypropylene and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). Depending on the polymer type, the technical requirements of the end application and availability, materials with PCR levels from 10 to over 80% are offered, including selected grades with more than 25% recyclate from end-of-life vehicles (ELV). Developed by the Hexpol companies almaak, RheTech and Hexpol TPE, the materials can be used for automotive interior and exterior parts, including consoles, trim, bumper brackets, inlay mats, sidesteps, mudflaps, grommets, electronic housings, and noise and vibration damping components.
Dr Thomas Köppl, Global Head of Product Management for Hexpol Thermoplastics, commented: "We're supporting the automotive industry to meet growing requirements for plastic materials containing Post-Consumer Recyclate. For our PCR compounds, we carefully manage material consistency, mechanical performance, color stability, odor, VOC emissions and long-term durability."
Adhesion in multicomponent moulding
For multicomponent moulding, several combinations of PC/ABS and TPE were tested according to ASTM D903, which measures the adhesion between materials. They showed excellent peel strength of over 5 N/mm.
Examples of materials containing PCR recyclate
| Material | Type | PCR content | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anjacom PC/ABS R050/75S PCR | PC/ABS | 30% PCR | Centre consoles, cupholders, interior trim |
| Anjacom ABS R050/7020 PCR | ABS | 30% PCR | Interiors, bumper brackets, glovebox covers |
| Rhecomp RCT230-00 | PP-TD20 | 80% PCR | Brackets, wire channels, shields |
| Rhecomp RCG230-00 | PP-GF30 | 40% PCR | Brackets, wire channels, shields |
| Dryflex PCR 753468-3 | TPS | 75% PCR | Inlay mats |
| Dryflex PCW 90A331B | TPO | 33% ELV-PCR | Exterior parts, mudflaps |
The thermoplastic materials are in use with several OEMs. For example, Anjacom PC/ABS R050/75S is in serial use with the Volkswagen Group for Cupra vehicles.
"Each of HEXPOL's Thermoplastics companies works with recycled feedstocks. And we have done so for decades. Every day we test new material combinations to achieve performance, safety and cost targets. We are pleased to add these PCR thermoplastics to our extensive automotive offering of Post-Industrial Recyclate (PIR) compounds," added Thomas Köppl.
