In the rapidly evolving world of consumer packaged goods (CPG), rubber components play a crucial role in product performance, safety, and sustainability. An De Coen, Global Product Manager at TekniPlex, shares insights into how the company is driving innovation, compliance, and operational excellence across this essential material segment.
1. What are TekniPlex's capabilities of rubber components?
“Our expertise in rubber is rooted in formulation science, and it comes to life in how our components perform,” says An De Coen. From the precise seal of an aerosol gasket to the feel of a cosmetic dropper bulb, TekniPlex engineers every component to improve product reliability, user comfort, and brand experience. With decades of compounding expertise and leadership in high-performance gaskets, TekniPlex delivers real-world performance through advanced materials.
2. How do you see innovation shaping the future of rubber components in CPG?
“Innovation in rubber isn’t just about finding new materials—it’s about rethinking their purpose.” TekniPlex is focused on creating smarter, more durable, and environmentally responsible rubber compounds. These materials are designed to perform in demanding conditions while minimizing environmental impact. “When performance and sustainability move in the same direction, that’s where real progress happens.”
3. How big of a role does regulatory compliance play in developing rubber components?
“Regulatory compliance is the backbone of everything we develop,” De Coen emphasizes. In sectors like food and pharmaceuticals, meeting global regulatory standards—such as the U.S. and European Pharmacopeia—is not optional. It shapes how TekniPlex designs, tests, and validates every rubber compound. The ultimate goal? Delivering safety, consistency, and trust from lab to shelf.
4. Have you had to adapt your manufacturing to meet regulations and client requirements?
TekniPlex has evolved its manufacturing processes to meet heightened expectations for both compliance and performance. “Because we control every step, from formulation to finished component, we can adapt quickly to new regulations or customer needs.” This includes implementing dedicated mixing areas to prevent cross-contamination and building in-house quality labs for faster, more precise validation. Future enhancements will include AI and automation to further streamline production.
5. What’s next for TekniPlex in the rubber space?
“What’s next is about scaling what we do best—and pushing it further.” Through its Global Innovation Centre, TekniPlex is expanding capabilities, modernizing operations, and pioneering rubber materials that excel in both sustainability and performance. This commitment spans markets from consumer to industrial, with a clear goal: to not just meet expectations, but to redefine what’s possible in rubber manufacturing.
TekniPlex is helping shape the future of CPG packaging by leading with material science, innovation, and regulatory integrity. These five questions reveal a forward-thinking approach that balances commercial needs with environmental and regulatory responsibilities—setting a new standard in rubber component manufacturing.
