The Global Food Grade Thermoplastic Elastomers Market was valued at USD 987.5 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1.72 Billion by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.3% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is driven by escalating demand for safe and durable food packaging, stringent global food safety regulations, and the ongoing replacement of conventional materials like PVC and silicone.
As the food and beverage industry prioritizes consumer safety and supply chain efficiency, the focus shifts to the advanced polymer suppliers enabling this transformation. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Food Grade Thermoplastic Elastomers Industry—a dynamic mix of global chemical giants and specialized compounders shaping the future of food-safe materials.
🔟 1. Dow Inc.
Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: ENGAGE™ Polyolefin Elastomers (POEs), VERSIFY™ Plastomers & Elastomers
Dow is a global leader in materials science, offering a extensive portfolio of food-grade TPEs renowned for their clarity, flexibility, and compliance with stringent FDA and EU regulations. Their materials are critical for applications ranging from flexible packaging seals to food conveyor belts and disposable cutlery.
Innovation Initiatives:
-
Investment in advanced recyclable and bio-based TPE formulations
-
Development of high-performance grades for demanding hot-fill applications
-
Commitment to circular economy principles through sustainability targets
Download FREE Sample Report:
Food Grade Thermoplastic Elastomers Market – View in Detailed Research Report
9️⃣ 2. Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: TAFMER™ Polyolefin Elastomers, Milastomer™ TPOs
Mitsui Chemicals is a major force in the Asia-Pacific TPE market, supplying high-purity materials essential for food contact. Their products are widely used in packaging films, container gaskets, and components for food processing equipment, emphasizing superior sealing and chemical resistance.
Innovation Initiatives:
-
Focus on developing TPEs with enhanced heat resistance for sterilization processes
-
Strategic expansion of production capacity to meet growing regional demand
8️⃣ 3. Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG
Headquarters: Waldkraiburg, Germany
Key Offering: THERMOLAST® M (Medical & Food Grade series)
Kraiburg TPE is a globally recognized specialist in custom TPE compounds. Their food-grade THERMOLAST® M series is prized for its soft-touch feel, odorlessness, and compliance with international food contact standards, making it ideal for baby products, kitchenware, and packaging.
Innovation Initiatives:
-
Expertise in custom-compounding for specific application challenges
-
Strong focus on adhesive bonding properties for overmolding applications
7️⃣ 4. HEXPOL TPE
Headquarters: Malmö, Sweden
Key Offering: Dryflex® TPEs, Mediprene® (for Food Contact)
HEXPOL TPE is a leading global compounder with a strong focus on food-safe materials. Their Dryflex and Mediprene grades offer excellent performance in applications like sealing rings, tubing, and soft-grip components for food equipment, backed by comprehensive regulatory support.
Innovation Initiatives:
-
Development of TPEs for direct contact with fatty and acidic foods
-
Commitment to creating sustainable TPE solutions with recycled content
Download FREE Sample Report:
Food Grade Thermoplastic Elastomers Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. Teknor Apex Company
Headquarters: Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA
Key Offering: Medalist® Medical and Food-Grade TPEs
Teknor Apex is a prominent manufacturer of specialty compounds, with its Medalist series being a benchmark for food-grade TPEs in North America. The company serves diverse applications, including bottle nipples, food handling equipment, and packaging components, with a focus on color consistency and processability.
Innovation Initiatives:
-
Leadership in providing halogen-free and phthalate-free TPE solutions
-
Investment in applications requiring ultra-clear and high-flow materials
5️⃣ 6. Celanese Corporation
Headquarters: Irving, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Hostaform® POM (for food contact), GUR® UHMW-PE
While known for engineering plastics, Celanese offers specialized polymers suitable for demanding food contact applications. Their materials provide the durability and low friction required for food conveyor systems and processing machinery components, where hygiene and longevity are paramount.
Innovation Initiatives:
-
R&D into high-performance polymers for challenging food industry environments
-
Focus on materials that withstand rigorous cleaning and sterilization protocols
4️⃣ 7. Avient Corporation
Headquarters: Avon Lake, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: GLS™ Thermoplastic Elastomers, ColorMatrix® additives
Avient is a leading provider of specialized polymer materials and services. Their GLS TPE portfolio includes compliant grades for food contact, often enhanced with custom color and additive packages to meet specific brand and performance requirements in packaging and consumer goods.
Innovation Initiatives:
-
Integration of sustainable solutions, including bio-based and recyclable TPEs
-
Expertise in providing complete material solutions from compounding to coloration
3️⃣ 8. Kuraray Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: SEPTON™ Hydrogenated Styrenic Block Copolymers (SBCs)
Kuraray is a key supplier of high-performance elastomers, with its SEPTON series offering excellent clarity, flexibility, and resistance to oils and greases. These properties make it a preferred choice for food packaging films, medical devices, and utensils requiring a soft touch.
Innovation Initiatives:
-
Pioneering advanced hydrogenated block copolymers for superior weatherability and purity
-
Expansion of application development support in high-growth regions
2️⃣ 9. Elastocon TPE Technologies
Headquarters: Minooka, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Custom TPE Compounding for Food Contact
Elastocon specializes in the development and manufacture of custom thermoplastic elastomer compounds. They work closely with customers to create food-grade TPEs that meet specific performance criteria for applications like gaskets, seals, and components in food service and processing.
Innovation Initiatives:
-
Agile development of customer-specific formulations
-
Focus on providing technical support and rapid prototyping capabilities
1️⃣ 10. RTP Company
Headquarters: Winona, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Engineered Thermoplastic Compounds (including food-grade grades)
RTP Company is a global compounder of engineering thermoplastics, offering a range of specialty materials that comply with food contact regulations. Their expertise lies in modifying base polymers to achieve specific properties like enhanced slip, UV resistance, or antimicrobial performance for food industry applications.
Innovation Initiatives:
-
Custom engineering of compounds for unique application challenges
-
Strong focus on materials for automated food processing and packaging lines
Get Full Report Here:
Food Grade Thermoplastic Elastomers Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of Food Grade TPEs Is Smarter and More Sustainable
The food grade thermoplastic elastomers market is undergoing a significant evolution. While standard grades continue to serve high-volume applications, the industry is rapidly advancing toward smarter, more sustainable material solutions that meet the dual challenges of regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
-
Accelerated development of bio-based and biodegradable TPE formulations
-
Enhanced material performance for high-temperature and harsh chemical environments
-
Integration of smart packaging functionalities using TPEs
-
Growing collaboration between material suppliers and food brands for custom solutions
Get Full Report Here:
Food Grade Thermoplastic Elastomers Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies listed above are not only supplying essential materials—they are actively driving the innovation that ensures the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of the global food supply chain.
- Top 10 Companies in the Lithium Amide Industry (2026): Market Leaders Powering Advanced Chemistry - February 27, 2026
- Top 10 Companies in the SiC Thinning Grinding Wheel Industry (2026): Precision Leaders Shaping Semiconductor Manufacturing - February 27, 2026
- Top 10 Companies in the Asphalt Anti-Stripping Agents Market (2026): Market Leaders Strengthening Global Infrastructure - February 27, 2026
