The Global Food Grade Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) Market was valued at USD 1.97 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 2.83 Billion by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.8% during the forecast period (2024–2034). This robust growth is primarily fueled by stringent food safety regulations, the escalating demand for sustainable and flexible packaging solutions, and the replacement of traditional materials like PVC and latex in food-contact applications.

As consumer preferences shift towards convenience, product safety, and environmental consciousness, the role of advanced polymers in the food industry has become paramount. Food Grade TPEs, known for their excellent elasticity, durability, and compliance with global food contact standards, are at the forefront of this transformation. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Food Grade Thermoplastic Elastomers Industry—a blend of chemical giants and specialized compounders who are defining the future of safe and innovative food-contact materials.

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🔟 1. Dow Inc.

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: VERSIFY™, ENGAGE™, NORDEL™ EPDM (Food Grade Grades)

Dow is a global leader in materials science, offering a diverse portfolio of polyolefin elastomers (POEs) and plastomers suitable for food contact. Their products are widely used in food packaging seals, gaskets, and flexible film applications, prized for their clarity, toughness, and regulatory compliance.

Key Innovations and Focus Areas:

• Development of recyclable and mono-material packaging solutions using TPEs
• Investment in bio-based and circular economy feedstocks for elastomer production
• Strong focus on achieving certifications like FDA, EU 10/2011, and NSF

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9️⃣ 2. Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: TAFMER™ Polyolefin Elastomers (POE), MILASTOMER™ TPEs

Mitsui Chemicals is a major supplier of high-performance TPEs in the Asia-Pacific region and globally. Their food-grade TAFMER and MILASTOMER series are engineered for applications requiring excellent heat resistance, soft touch, and compliance with food safety standards.

Key Innovations and Focus Areas:

• Expansion of high-purity TPE grades for demanding food and beverage applications
• Strategic partnerships with converters and brand owners in the packaging sector
• R&D focused on enhancing processability and sustainability profiles

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8️⃣ 3. Star Thermoplastics

Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Custom-Compounded Food Grade TPEs

Star Thermoplastics specializes in custom compounding, offering a wide range of food-grade TPEs tailored to specific customer requirements. They serve niche markets requiring unique color, hardness, and performance characteristics for utensils, enclosures, and sealing components.

Key Innovations and Focus Areas:

• Expertise in small-batch and highly customized TPE formulations
• Rigorous internal testing to ensure compliance with FDA and other global standards
• Focus on providing technical support and rapid prototyping services

Download FREE Sample Report:
Food Grade Thermoplastic Elastomers Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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7️⃣ 4. Teknor Apex Company

Headquarters: Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA
Key Offering: Medalist® Medical & Food Grade TPEs

Teknor Apex is a renowned compounder with a significant presence in the food-grade TPE space. Their Medalist line includes TPEs specifically designed for food contact, offering properties like low odor, taste neutrality, and resistance to cleaning agents, making them ideal for kitchenware and food handling equipment.

Key Innovations and Focus Areas:

• Leadership in low-volatile, odorless TPE formulations for sensitive applications
• Development of TPEs compatible with overmolding onto PP and other substrates
• Global manufacturing footprint to serve international customers

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6️⃣ 5. Celanese Corporation

Headquarters: Irving, Texas, USA
Key Offering: HOSTAFORM® acetal copolymers, GUR® UHMW-PE (Food Grade)

While known for engineering plastics, Celanese offers specialized polymers like acetal copolymers and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) in food-grade versions. These materials are critical for components in food processing machinery, such as gears, guides, and wear strips, where low friction and high cleanliness are required.

Key Innovations and Focus Areas:

• Providing high-performance materials for demanding food processing equipment
• Focus on durability and compliance in direct and indirect food contact applications
• Technical expertise in material selection for FDA and USDA compliance

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5️⃣ 6. Kraiburg TPE GmbH & Co. KG

Headquarters: Waldkraiburg, Germany
Key Offering: THERMOLAST® K (Food Grade Series)

Kraiburg TPE is a leading European specialist in thermoplastic elastomers. Their THERMOLAST K series includes numerous food-compliant grades that are used in packaging, bottle cap liners, and household articles. They are recognized for their consistent quality and adherence to strict European food contact regulations.

Key Innovations and Focus Areas:

• Strong focus on sustainability with TPEs for recyclable packaging systems
• Development of adhesive TPE grades for multi-layer film and sealing applications
• Comprehensive portfolio compliant with EU 10/2011, FDA, and BfR recommendations

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4️⃣ 7. HEXPOL AB

Headquarters: Malmö, Sweden
Key Offering: Dryflex® and TPE/TPV compounds (Food Grade)

HEXPOL, through its Thermoplastic Elastomers division, is a global player in custom TPE compounding. Their food-grade Dryflex and other TPE/TPV compounds are used in a variety of applications, from food conveyor belts and seals to soft-touch grips on kitchen appliances.

Key Innovations and Focus Areas:

• Expertise in both styrenic block copolymers (SBCs) and thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs)
• Global production network ensuring supply chain reliability
• Commitment to developing materials that support circular economy principles

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3️⃣ 8. Kent Elastomer Products, Inc.

Headquarters: Kent, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Custom Food Grade TPE Compounds

Kent Elastomer Products focuses on manufacturing custom thermoplastic elastomer compounds for specialized markets, including food and beverage. They work closely with customers to develop formulations that meet specific performance, regulatory, and cost requirements.

Key Innovations and Focus Areas:

• Specialization in high-quality, consistent compounding for critical applications
• Strong customer collaboration from concept to commercial production
• Emphasis on materials that withstand repeated sterilization and cleaning

Download FREE Sample Report:
Food Grade Thermoplastic Elastomers Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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2️⃣ 9. Aurora Plastics

Headquarters: Streetsboro, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Engineered Compounds, including Food Grade TPEs

Aurora Plastics is a compounder that provides a range of engineered materials, including color-matched and performance-specific food-grade TPEs. They serve various sectors, contributing materials for food packaging components and handling equipment.

Key Innovations and Focus Areas:

• Capabilities in color compounding and matching for brand-specific needs
• Focus on providing technical solutions for injection molding and extrusion processes
• Commitment to quality systems and regulatory support

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1️⃣ 10. Elastron

Headquarters: Istanbul, Turkey
Key Offering: Food Grade TPE Compounds

Elastron is a significant TPE producer with a growing international presence. They offer a portfolio of food-contact approved TPEs used in applications across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Their products are known for balancing performance with cost-effectiveness.

Key Innovations and Focus Areas:

• Strategic focus on emerging markets with growing food processing sectors
• Development of TPEs suitable for a wide range of processing techniques
• Investment in R&D to expand their food-grade product portfolio

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Food Grade Thermoplastic Elastomers Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Food Grade TPEs is Sustainable and High-Performance

The Food Grade Thermoplastic Elastomers market is experiencing a significant evolution. While the core demand for safety and performance remains, the industry is increasingly driven by the need for sustainable material solutions, advanced processing technologies, and materials that support a circular economy.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Accelerating demand for recyclable and mono-material flexible packaging structures incorporating TPE sealants
• Stringent global food contact regulations prompting innovation in material purity and compliance
• Growth in high-value applications like baby products and medical devices with food contact requirements
• Rising adoption of TPEs as a safer alternative to PVC and phthalate-based soft plastics

Get Full Report Here:
Food Grade Thermoplastic Elastomers Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not just supplying materials—they are essential partners in building a safer, more sustainable, and innovative future for the global food industry.