Cooper Standard Expands Sustainability Portfolio with FlexiCore™ Thermoplastic Body Seal

Rhea-AI Summary

Cooper Standard (NYSE: CPS) has introduced FlexiCore™ Thermoplastic Body Seal, a revolutionary vehicle sealing solution that replaces traditional metal carriers with recyclable lightweight plastic. The new product offers up to 44% weight reduction and is made of 100% TPV and PP materials, making it fully recyclable.

Key benefits include outstanding flexibility for easy assembly, high retention performance, reduced energy consumption in manufacturing, and improved aesthetics. The product has successfully completed internal mass production testing and is being tailored for various OEM requirements. FlexiCore has been named a 2025 Automotive News PACE Award finalist.

NORTHVILLE, Mich., Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cooper Standard (NYSE: CPS) has further expanded its portfolio of sustainable innovations with a revolutionary new vehicle body seal. The Company's FlexiCore™ Thermoplastic Body Seal provides a groundbreaking way to seal a doorframe to the vehicle body by replacing traditional metal carriers with a more eco-friendly, fully recyclable lightweight plastic alternative without compromising performance.

"As the global automotive sealing industry shifts to a more competitive, sustainable and lighter weight industry, Cooper Standard recognizes the opportunity to revolutionize vehicle body seals with a product that offers both superior sustainability and performance benefits," said Patrick Clark, president, Sealing Systems and chief manufacturing officer, Cooper Standard. "By matching the requirements of traditional body seals, we anticipate FlexiCore to be a 'plug-and-play' product for our OEM customers that enables swift adoption with minimal disruption."

Cooper Standard's FlexiCore body seal offers an alternative to traditional EPDM seals containing metal-based carriers that has existed for over 50 years with a lightweight, flexible and sustainable solution made of 100 percent TPV (thermoplastic vulcanizate) and PP (polypropylene) materials. This enables a number of differentiating attributes that include:

• Outstanding flexibility resulting in ease of assembly;
• Weight reduction of up to 44%;
• High retention performance;
• Reduced energy consumption in the manufacturing process;
• Fully recyclable; and
• Improved aesthetics with a consistent show surface.

"This product is the latest component of our sustainable product portfolio journey and demonstrates our commitment to be sustainability leaders in the global mobility markets," said Clark.

In preparation for large-scale manufacturing, Cooper Standard has tested the ability to mass produce FlexiCore through its internal i³ Innovation process with success. Currently, Cooper Standard is working closely with various OEMs across regions to tailor this technology to specific vehicle requirements. FlexiCore was also recently recognized as a 2025 Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Pilot Award finalist.

For more information, please visit: https://www.cooperstandard.com/products/flexicore.

About Cooper Standard
Cooper Standard, headquartered in Northville, Mich., with locations in 21 countries, is a leading global supplier of sealing and fluid handling systems and components. Utilizing our materials science and manufacturing expertise, we create innovative and sustainable engineered solutions for diverse transportation and industrial markets. Cooper Standard's team of more than 22,000 team members (including contingent workers) are at the heart of our success, continuously improving our business and surrounding communities. Learn more at www.cooperstandard.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.

Contact for Media:
Chris Andrews
Cooper Standard
(248) 596-6217
CAndrews@cooperstandard.com

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SOURCE Cooper Standard

FAQ

What are the main benefits of Cooper Standard's (CPS) FlexiCore Thermoplastic Body Seal?

FlexiCore offers 44% weight reduction, outstanding flexibility, high retention performance, reduced energy consumption, full recyclability, and improved aesthetics with a consistent show surface.

What materials are used in Cooper Standard's (CPS) FlexiCore body seal?

FlexiCore is made of 100% TPV (thermoplastic vulcanizate) and PP (polypropylene) materials, replacing traditional EPDM seals with metal carriers.

Has Cooper Standard's (CPS) FlexiCore been tested for mass production?

Yes, Cooper Standard has successfully tested FlexiCore's mass production capability through their internal i3 Innovation process and is working with various OEMs to tailor the technology.

What recognition has Cooper Standard's (CPS) FlexiCore received?

FlexiCore has been recognized as a 2025 Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Pilot Award finalist.