Tech spotlight: Light-transmitting TPE designed for wireless earbuds

German elastomer specialist Kraiburg TPE has launched a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material tailored for wireless earbuds and other consumer-electronics devices that require integrated LED lighting. The new Light Effect TPE combines high light transmission with a soft-touch surface and strong adhesion to polypropylene (PP), enabling overmoulded components such as LED status indicators, touch-control areas and illuminated branding elements. When the LED is off, the light guide remains invisible; when on, it delivers uniform illumination. The compound also meets low-odour and low-volatile-organic-compound (VOC) requirements for skin-contact products, while offering durability under repeated use, UV resistance and weather resistance for long-term reliability. For manufacturers, the material provides excellent adhesion to PP for overmoulding soft and rigid parts, plus flow properties suited to complex geometries and lightweight designs. Kraiburg TPE states the series complies with the IEC 61249-2-21 halogen-free standard. Beyond wireless earbuds, the material targets smartwatches, wearables, smart-home products, gaming controllers, household appliances, displays and LED indicator components.