/
/
On every car, there's an unassuming yet frequently used plastic component that endures constant foot traffic, relentless sun exposure, and harsh weather—all year round. It never fades under UV rays, nor deforms in freezing winters or scorching summers. It's the ultimate "tough guy" of the materials world. Worried about slipping in rain or snow? Not a problem! Its surface comes naturally equipped with anti-slip properties, ensuring stable and safe entry and exit, even in wet conditions. And it’s also a lightweight champion—helping your vehicle shed weight, save fuel, reduce emissions, and cut costs. A true win-win for performance and sustainability.
_1756804468_WNo_427d421.webp)
If you know, you know—this is none other than the **automotive electric smart running board**. More specifically, the **TPE-based electric running board**.
As an eco-friendly material, **recycled TPE (rTPE)** is gaining increasing attention in the field of automotive exterior components. With the automotive industry’s growing demand for sustainability and lightweight design, recycled TPE offers innovative solutions through its unique performance advantages and environmental benefits.
Recycled TPE exhibits outstanding weatherability and long-term durability. It withstands extreme outdoor conditions, including UV radiation, wide temperature fluctuations, and high humidity. This ensures that running boards remain colorfast and crack-resistant over time, maintaining both appearance and structural integrity throughout their service life. Additionally, rTPE delivers excellent mechanical properties such as high impact resistance and superior wear resistance, enduring repeated stepping and abrasion to extend product lifespan.
In terms of manufacturing, recycled TPE demonstrates excellent process adaptability. It can be efficiently produced via injection molding and offers strong adhesion to substrates like PP, making it ideal for complex-shaped exterior trims. Furthermore, its low density contributes directly to lightweight component design—aligning perfectly with the automotive industry’s goals of reducing energy consumption and emissions.
Sustainability is at the heart of recycled TPE. By utilizing post-consumer or post-industrial thermoplastic elastomers, rTPE significantly reduces dependence on virgin petroleum resources and lowers overall carbon footprint. Many of Topcentral®’s rTPE products are certified under internationally recognized standards such as **ISCC PLUS** and **Global Recycled Standard (GRS)**, meeting automakers’ stringent requirements for sustainable and traceable supply chains.
While widely used in running board trims, recycled TPE can also be applied to other automotive components such as water drainage seals, underbody covers, and interior grips. Its customizable hardness range and consistent colorability offer designers greater creative freedom while ensuring seamless integration with the vehicle’s overall aesthetic.
Topcentral®
TayPreme®
Tapuyi® rTPE
Our TayPreme® rTPE is made from post-consumer thermoplastic elastomers collected, pre-processed, and standardized into regranulated pellets. We offer injection-grade overmolding rTPE (Tapuyi® TayPreme® rTPE) to meet diverse industrial application needs. We support full customization and development based on client requirements, including:
_1756804524_WNo_883d349.png)
TayPreme® rTPE pellets are suitable for overmolding on substrates such as ABS, PC, PA, and AS in two-shot injection molding. The material offers excellent wear and scratch resistance, comfortable tactile feel, and a matte finish. It also features superior aging and chemical resistance.
Typical applications include: thermometers, instrument housings, Bluetooth ear hooks, power tool handles, and more.
_1756804552_WNo_492d265.png)
Discover this amazing content and share it with your network!
Is recycled plastic better than virgin plastic? Discover the truth about sustainability, performance, and environmental impact with Topcentral's high-performance recycled materials.
Top 5 questions procurement managers must ask PCR suppliers — from traceability to carbon footprint. Source sustainable, high-performance recycled materials with Topcentral.
Discover how Topcentral®'s TayPreme® rTPE — a sustainable, high-performance recycled thermoplastic elastomer — is revolutionizing automotive running boards with durability, UV resistance, lightweight design, and full traceability. Learn about eco-friendly material innovation in the auto industry.
