Trelleborg Launches Reduced Carbon Footprint EPDM Grades

New EPDM compounds claim major carbon footprint reductions

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has released two EPDM elastomer grades that deliver up to 55% lower product carbon footprints than conventional EPDM sealing components. The launch includes E7T11 and E8T12 compounds, both manufactured using renewable feedstocks and increased recycled content. Notably, the company states these materials maintain equivalent performance characteristics to traditional fossil-based EPDM.

For manufacturers tracking embodied carbon in components, this represents a straightforward substitution opportunity. EPDM remains one of the most widely specified elastomers for industrial sealing applications. Consequently, a lower-carbon alternative that requires no performance compromise could simplify emissions reduction across supply chains.

The commercial relevance centres on procurement decisions rather than material innovation. Businesses facing pressure to reduce Scope 3 emissions now have a documented option for cutting product-level carbon intensity in gaskets, O-rings, and moulded seals. This matters particularly for suppliers to automotive, transport, energy, and manufacturing sectors where carbon accounting increasingly influences contract awards.

Technical specifications and carbon reduction claims

Trelleborg has published specific carbon footprint data for both new grades. The compound itself achieves up to 61% carbon footprint reduction compared to conventional EPDM formulations. When processed into finished components, this translates to up to 55% product carbon footprint reduction for items such as gaskets and seals.

The two grades serve different hardness requirements. E7T11 offers 70 Shore A hardness and suits both compression and injection moulding processes. Meanwhile, E8T12 provides 80 Shore A hardness for compression moulding applications. Both materials use renewable, non-fossil feedstocks combined with higher recycled content to achieve the reported emissions reductions.

Performance equivalence forms the core of the value proposition. Trelleborg explicitly states that both compounds retain the application performance characteristics expected from traditional EPDM. This includes chemical resistance, temperature tolerance, compression set, and sealing integrity. Therefore, existing designs and specifications should transfer directly without requalification in many cases.

The carbon footprint calculations appear to follow documented product carbon footprint methodologies. However, the actual emissions benefit in any specific application will depend on several factors. These include material volume used, manufacturing location, transport distances, and how the component fits within a full lifecycle assessment of the end product.

Industrial applications across multiple sectors

EPDM elastomers serve numerous sealing functions in industrial settings. The material’s resistance to water, steam, and many chemicals makes it suitable for demanding environments. Common applications include pipe seals, automotive weatherstripping, HVAC gaskets, and industrial machinery components. Consequently, carbon intensity reductions in EPDM compounds can cascade through multiple supply chains.

Automotive manufacturers face particular pressure to reduce embodied carbon in vehicles. Sealing components represent a small mass fraction of a vehicle but appear throughout body assemblies, powertrains, and thermal management systems. Switching to lower-carbon elastomers offers a relatively simple intervention compared to redesigning major structures. Similarly, commercial vehicle manufacturers can reduce transport equipment carbon footprints through component material changes.

Energy sector applications include seals for pumps, valves, and fluid handling equipment. As renewable energy infrastructure expands, component suppliers increasingly face carbon intensity requirements in tender specifications. Manufacturing facilities also use EPDM seals extensively in process equipment, compressed air systems, and utility installations. Therefore, procurement teams managing capital projects now have a documented option for specifying lower-carbon sealing materials.

The significance extends beyond direct carbon reduction. Many businesses now report product-level carbon footprints as part of ESG disclosure requirements. Component suppliers who can provide documented carbon data help their customers meet reporting obligations. This creates a compliance advantage beyond the emissions reduction itself. Additionally, public sector procurement increasingly weights carbon intensity in evaluation criteria, particularly for construction and infrastructure projects.

What this means for component procurement decisions

Several practical considerations emerge for businesses evaluating these materials. First, the performance equivalence claim simplifies adoption. If specifications transfer directly from conventional EPDM, qualification costs remain minimal. However, prudent risk management suggests validation testing for critical applications, especially where failure consequences include safety implications or expensive downtime.

Second, the carbon accounting methodology matters as much as the reduction percentage. Product carbon footprints require defined system boundaries, allocation methods, and data sources. Businesses should request the underlying calculation methodology to ensure compatibility with their own carbon accounting frameworks. This becomes particularly important when aggregating component data into product-level footprints for customer reporting or carbon labelling schemes.

Third, commercial availability and pricing will influence adoption rates. Speciality compounds typically command premium pricing, but this may narrow as production scales. Early adopters may accept higher costs for carbon reduction benefits, while broader market penetration depends on price parity with conventional materials. Therefore, procurement teams should establish supplier relationships now if carbon intensity targets will tighten in future contracting cycles.

Fourth, supply chain transparency becomes increasingly valuable. As carbon reporting requirements expand, businesses need documented evidence for Scope 3 calculations. Component suppliers who provide detailed carbon data reduce administrative burden and audit risk for their customers. This creates competitive differentiation beyond product specifications alone.

Key facts about the new EPDM materials

• Trelleborg’s E7T11 and E8T12 grades use renewable feedstocks and increased recycled content to achieve documented carbon footprint reductions.
• The compounds deliver up to 61% lower carbon footprint compared to conventional EPDM formulations, translating to up to 55% reduction in finished component product carbon footprint.
• Both materials maintain equivalent performance characteristics to traditional fossil-based EPDM, including chemical resistance and temperature tolerance.
• E7T11 offers 70 Shore A hardness suitable for compression and injection moulding, while E8T12 provides 80 Shore A for compression moulding applications.
• Target applications include O-rings, gaskets, and engineered moulded parts across automotive, transport, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
• The materials address Scope 3 emissions reduction requirements and support product-level carbon footprint reporting obligations.

Carbon accounting considerations for supply chain emissions

The practical value of lower-carbon materials depends partly on how businesses account for supply chain emissions. Under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, purchased goods and services fall within Scope 3 Category 1. Calculating these emissions requires either supplier-specific data or industry average emission factors. Supplier-specific data improves accuracy and supports credible reporting, particularly for businesses pursuing Science Based Targets or participating in carbon disclosure programmes.

Component-level carbon data helps businesses meet emerging reporting requirements. For example, our net-zero programme for carbon reporting compliance increasingly involves detailed Scope 3 calculations. Clients need documented emission factors for procured materials to complete their inventories. Therefore, suppliers who provide product carbon footprint data reduce the estimation uncertainty in customer reporting.

Public sector suppliers face specific requirements. PPN 06/21 mandates carbon reduction plans for central government contracts above £5 million annually. Many contracting authorities now request product-level carbon data during tender evaluation. Consequently, manufacturers using documented lower-carbon materials can demonstrate tangible emissions reduction measures within their supply chains. This creates competitive advantage in bid scoring, particularly where evaluation criteria include environmental performance.

The verification approach also matters. Third-party verification of product carbon footprints increases credibility and reduces audit risk. Businesses should enquire whether suppliers have obtained independent verification of their carbon calculations. Standards such as ISO 14067 provide frameworks for product carbon footprint assessment and verification. Meanwhile, sector-specific guidance exists for construction products, electronics, and other categories. Understanding the methodology behind carbon claims helps procurement teams make informed decisions.

Material substitution risks and qualification requirements

While performance equivalence simplifies adoption, prudent engineering practice requires validation. Critical applications warrant testing to confirm that new materials meet specific operational requirements. This applies particularly to high-consequence failures involving safety systems, pressure vessels, or applications where seal failure creates significant downtime costs.

Qualification testing typically examines several characteristics. Compression set indicates how well a material maintains sealing force under sustained load. Chemical compatibility testing confirms resistance to process fluids, cleaning agents, and environmental exposure. Temperature cycling validates performance across the intended operating range. Additionally, accelerated aging tests predict long-term durability under service conditions.

Some applications may require regulatory approval for material changes. For instance, food contact applications need materials that comply with relevant regulations. Similarly, drinking water applications require approval under appropriate standards. Medical and pharmaceutical applications impose stringent material requirements. Therefore, businesses in regulated sectors should verify that new materials carry necessary certifications before specifying them in designs.

Documentation requirements also increase with application criticality. Engineering teams need technical datasheets, safety data sheets, and processing guidelines. Quality management systems may require material traceability and batch testing records. Consequently, supplier qualification extends beyond material properties to encompass quality systems and documentation practices. This becomes particularly important for businesses operating under ISO 9001 or sector-specific quality standards.

Authoritative sources and further technical information

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions provides detailed technical information on the new EPDM grades through its corporate website. Businesses evaluating these materials should request technical datasheets and processing guidelines directly from the manufacturer. Additionally, the British Standards Institution publishes standards for elastomeric materials and testing methods that inform material qualification decisions.

For carbon accounting methodologies, the UK Government publishes greenhouse gas reporting conversion factors annually. These provide emission factors for materials and activities used in carbon footprint calculations. Similarly, guidance on Scope 3 emissions calculation appears in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Value Chain Standard, which establishes the framework most businesses use for supply chain emissions accounting.

Public sector suppliers should consult Procurement Policy Note 06/21 for carbon reduction plan requirements. This guidance explains how carbon considerations apply to government contracts and what evidence contracting authorities may request. Furthermore, businesses developing net zero strategies can find support through our ESG compliance and carbon reporting services, which help SMEs navigate reporting requirements and supply chain emissions calculation.

Material specifications and industry standards provide context for performance requirements. The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining offers resources on elastomer technology and applications. Professional development in sustainable procurement practices is available through our SBS Academy training programmes, which cover carbon accounting and supply chain sustainability topics relevant to procurement professionals managing material transitions.