Demand for bio-based oil has quietly accelerated in recent years, driven by a rapidly growing market for bio-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs).
Valued at about $513M in 2023, the market is expected to grow at an astonishing 14 percent CAGR (compound annual growth rate) to $1.9B by 2033.
TPE makers that want to enter this market are experimenting with the switch to renewable raw materials, such as bio-based process oil.
The right formulation is essential to be successful today. And supply security is going to be critical for those that want to stay competitive over the next decade.
Trends In Bio-Based Oil & Thermoplastic Elastomers
In a sense, the progress toward renewable TPEs is a return to the origins of the rubber industry.
Natural rubber (NR) is of course bio-based. From its cultivation in the 15th century to today’s applications, the Hevea rubber plant remains a renewable resource with comparatively less environmental impact than traditional synthetic rubbers.
Synthetic rubber products such as EPDM and TPEs are often more cost-effective than NR for many applications, however. TPEs in particular produce less waste in the production process, as the excess material can be easily recycled.
Bio-based TPEs represent the best of both worlds: a more natural rubber derivative with desirable elastomeric properties.
“Bio-based TPEs can be synthesized by various bio-based monomers and could compete with petroleum-based TPEs. However, thus far their cost is high, their production is low, and their portfolio is small. Nevertheless, there are some commercial bio-based TPEs and more are expected to come.” – “Current trends in bio-based elastomer materials,” February 2022
Many TPE manufacturers today see bio-based elastomers as the future of the industry, satisfying consumer demand to reduce the after-market environmental impact of their products by improving biodegradability.
Movement Toward Renewable Raw Materials in TPE Production
TPE makers have been interested in pivoting to bio-based products for years, as research has shown that strong copolymers can be made from bioresources.
“Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are an interesting class of polymers that can be easily processed, reused, and recycled. The terpene (a building block for natural rubber) … is available from several bioresources like hops, lemongrass, bay plants, and so forth.” – “Biobased TPE based on an SMS triblock copolymer prepared via RAFT polymerization in aqueous medium,” January 2021
Another example of a bioresource that could be used in TPE production is process oil. The use of 100% bio-based raw materials, including bio-based oil, can work as an extender in TPE production. But what’s the most cost-effective approach?
Considering Bio-Based Oil Options for TPE Production
Vegetable oil is a readily biodegradable resource that is so safe, it’s edible. 100% vegetable oil may be used as an extender for TPE production.
However, compared with paraffinic oils typically used, vegetable oil:
- Is less stable
- Supports microorganisms that may cause issues with rancidity/odor
- Is likely to bloom (surface), which is undesirable for most applications
Does this mean that vegetable oil shouldn’t be used? Not necessarily. At present, one solution is to combine this bioresouce with traditional paraffinic oil to reduce, rather than wholly eliminate, the use of petroleum oils in TPEs.
A formula of 10 percent vegetable oil, 90 percent paraffinic oil:
- Increases stability considerably
- Allows a measured transition to more sustainable products
- All but eliminates odor concerns
- Reduces the impact on extender mobility (slight bloom only)
This is a small step toward a more bio-based future for the TPE industry. Bigger steps are yet to come.
Renkert Oil is eager to help our customers get there by supplying the best product today, researching tomorrow’s bio-based oils, and providing superior supply security for years to come.
Secure Your Supply of Bio-Based Oil from Renkert Oil
Today, Renkert Oil is proud to offer B10-200-W. Consisting of 10 percent vegetable oil, this food-grade quality product offers TPE makers a cost-effective way to make a move toward increasingly bio-based products.
We’re also exploring methods to reduce the mobility problem of “blooming” that vegetable oils pose in TPE applications. This is part of our ongoing research into the use of bioresources that provide the “soft touch” and other desirable benefits of today’s paraffinic extender oils.
Most importantly, Renkert Oil will continue to provide a reliable supply of these products throughout this exciting period of growth in the bio-based market. Once bio-based TPEs and raw materials become mainstream, ongoing access will become a key market differentiator.
Learn more about how Renkert Oil can support your move toward a more sustainable future. Schedule your initial consultation today.