Sustainable Materials for Smart Trash Bin Applications

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already integrated into nearly all aspects of our lives, from communication and work to healthcare, entertainment, travel, and finances. But AI for our rubbish? It’s not so surprising!
One of the newest AI-integrated home systems is a smart trash bin with automated sorting capabilities for recyclables, non-recyclables, and contaminated waste, ultimately improving recycling efficiency. Built for sustainability, a smart trash bin uses eco-friendly materials consistent with its purpose. 
KRAIBURG TPE, a global manufacturer of TPEs and customized solutions for various industries, offers the THERMOLAST® R - RC/PCR/AP series, developed for the Asia Pacific market, with post-consumer recycled (PCR) content for sustainability-driven smart home appliances.

Sustainable material with low carbon footprint
The THERMOLAST® R - RC/PCR/AP series contains 25% to 48% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, depending on hardness, offering a sustainable option for manufacturers aiming to reduce environmental impact without compromising performance. Certified under the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), the compound meets industry criteria for responsibly sourced materials and contributes to improving functionality in smart trash bins.

Intelligent solution for durable and adaptable design
The THERMOLAST® R - RC/PCR/AP series is a high-performance, eco-friendly thermoplastic alternative to conventional elastomers such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-P). Its optimized mechanical properties, including flexibility, resilience, durability, and good flowability, make it ideal for components like odor-sealing gaskets, soft-close lid dampers, anti-slip base pads, and control buttons. 
With a hardness range of 50 to 90 Shore A, it offers design flexibility: softer grades are suitable for sealing or grip elements, while harder grades add rigidity to structural parts such as lid dampers or foot pedals. The material is also compatible with injection molding processes, facilitating efficient and scalable production.

In the loop with safe and soft-touch designs 
The THERMOLAST® R - RC/PCR/AP series is recommended for smart applications requiring reliable sealing, user comfort, and regulatory compliance. 
It offers strong adhesion to polypropylene (PP) in both multi-component and single-component parts, enabling airtight seals that trap odors and improve indoor sanitation. 
Its low-odor profile and compliance with REACH and RoHS SVHC requirements make it ideal for hygiene-focused settings. With thermal stability up to 80°C and pleasant haptics, the compound provides a smooth, non-sticky surface ideal for touchpoints such as buttons and lid rims. 
Available in black color, it complements modern aesthetics and flexibility for designing.

Sustainability from the get-go
At KRAIBURG TPE, sustainability drives our innovation. Our portfolio includes bio-based TPEs and compounds with post-consumer (PCR) and post-industrial (PIR) recycled content. Selected TPEs are certified under GRS and ISCC PLUS. We also provide Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data upon request to support sustainability decisions.
We proudly earned the EcoVadis Gold Medal in 2025 and are committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aligning our goals with global climate action.
From reducing emissions to increasing circularity, our sustainable TPEs deliver reliable performance and are available worldwide to support your applications while advancing your sustainability goals.
Get in touch today to learn how KRAIBURG TPE can support your sustainability and product development journey.
Discover More with TPE: From smart food containers to vacuum cleaners and home appliances, explore how our TPE solutions bring safety, durability, and innovation into everyday living.
Disclaimer: The applications mentioned are illustrative of material capabilities only. Final product suitability and regulatory compliance must be assessed and validated by the customer.