If you are looking to source TPE film from a market that combines technical rigor with industrial scale, South Korea should be at the top of your list. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before you start reaching out to suppliers. From what elastomeric TPE film actually is to which companies have the credibility to back up their product claims, we have covered it all.
Whether you are a procurement manager in Europe, a distributor in Southeast Asia, or a product development engineer in the US, this list is built specifically for you.
TPE stands for thermoplastic elastomer. In film form, it is a material that gives you the best of both worlds: the processing ease of a thermoplastic and the flexibility of rubber. TPE films combine the processing benefits of thermoplastics with rubber traits in a single product.
But what does that mean practically? It means you get a material that can be stretched, formed, laminated, and recycled without losing its physical integrity. This material is in top demand and it will continue to grow because most industries prefer to use sustainable materials that are versatile.
The industries that are major buyers of elastomeric TPE film include:
* Medical and healthcare (wound dressings, surgical drapes, device components)
* Automotive (interior covers, sealing systems)
* Sportswear and wearable technology
* Packaging and industrial laminates
It is a versatile material. And sourcing it right matters a great deal.
The global TPE films and sheets market size was valued at USD 2.06 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 5.49 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2025 to 2033. South Korea is a key contributor to that growth. Asia Pacific dominated the TPE films and sheets market with the largest revenue share of 40.2% in 2025. Within that region, South Korea stands out for its combination of advanced petrochemical infrastructure, export-oriented manufacturing, and world-class quality compliance.
According to Volza's TPU film export data, there are a total of 250 TPU film suppliers in South Korea, exporting to 369 buyers globally. That is a deep and competitive supplier pool. One with enough variety to serve both niche and high-volume procurement needs.
Location: Ansan City, GyeongGi-do, South Korea
If you are serious about sourcing elastomeric TPE film from South Korea, AFEL Polyfilms is the natural starting point. AFEL has emerged as a leader in the soft film market, with extensive experience developing specialty films including TPU and TPE films for decades.
Medical-grade TPE films from AFEL exhibit sterility resistance capabilities and biocompatible properties for use in wound dressings and surgical drapes. These materials offer excellent hypoallergenic properties that enable safe, direct contact with the skin.
Engineers in the automotive industry select AFEL's TPE films because they deliver resilient performance against weather elements while enduring extreme temperatures, helping designers create durable and lightweight vehicles since they are used in interior applications and sealing components.
What also sets AFEL apart is their commitment to sustainability. Compared to thermoset rubbers, their flexible TPE films are the most recyclable, meaning you can meet your environmental objectives while still getting superb performance.
Best For: Medical device manufacturers, automotive OEMs, sportswear brands, and global distributors needing a reliable Korean TPE film exporter with full customization capabilities.
Taekyung Polymer is one of the most active TPE film exporters in South Korea by shipment volume. In the period from March 2023 to February 2024, Taekyung Polymer had a significant share of South Korea's total TPU film exports as 16% of the total 398 shipments from Korea were made by this manufacturer.
Their product range covers a variety of thermoplastic polyurethane and elastomer films suited for textile lamination, industrial applications, and protective film uses. They are particularly well-represented in export routes to Vietnam, India, and the United States.
Best For: Buyers searching for an established, high-volume TPE film exporter with a strong shipping track record.
Samyang Corporation is a South Korean manufacturer and distributor of a diverse range of products. Their product lineup includes petrochemicals and packaging materials. Established in 1924, their products are present across pharmaceuticals, food additives, and industrial chemicals.
Their Advanced Material Business Unit is directly relevant to TPE sourcing. Samyang has supplied domestic and overseas companies with engineering plastic products such as PC, PBT, TPE, and M-PET. The unit develops core materials for automotive, electrical, medical, and security industries.
They are expanding their research field to include automotive lightweight materials, metal replacement materials, eco-friendly materials, and high-functional materials. That research focus translates into a product portfolio that keeps up with evolving market demands.
Best For: Buyers sourcing TPE compounds and film-grade materials for engineering-heavy applications in automotive and electronics.
Kumho Petrochemical is one of South Korea's largest synthetic rubber and specialty polymer producers. While primarily known for synthetic elastomers, they produce TPE-grade polymer compounds that feed into film manufacturing processes across the region.
Their main supply goes towards automotive sealing, industrial film, and adhesive uses. Their scale and raw material processing efficiency make them a reliable upstream partner for companies that want custom elastomeric TPE film solutions.
Best For: Buyers looking for an upstream polymer supplier to support custom compounding or film extrusion partnerships.
LG Chem is one of the largest chemical companies in Asia, and their specialty materials division includes TPE and advanced polymer film solutions. Market leading producers in the TPE film market differentiate themselves through product innovation, material customization, and strong application-specific expertise. These manufacturers supply the advanced sectors that require only the highest quality, such as the medical, automotive, and electronics industries. LG Chem fits that profile perfectly.
Best For: Large-scale procurement in electronics, medical packaging, and automotive film sectors.
SK Chemicals’ specialty is sustainable manufacturing without compromising material quality. Their polymer category offers bio-based and engineering-grade solutions, including TPE-compatible materials.
Recent trends indicate a shift towards bio-based and biodegradable TPE films because companies want to cater to the growing consumer preference for sustainable materials. SK Chemicals is well-positioned to serve buyers who have sustainability compliance requirements in addition to performance benchmarks.
Best For: Procurement teams sourcing eco-compliant TPE materials for European or North American markets with strict sustainability mandates.
Now that you have a shortlist, here is a practical framework to help you move from research to qualified supplier.
Start with compliance documentation. Any credible TPE film exporter should be able to provide ISO certifications, material safety data sheets, and application-specific approvals (such as medical-grade or food-contact compliance) without hesitation. If this takes longer than a week to receive, that is a red flag.
Request a sample order before commitment.
Once you receive the sample test it for dimensional consistency, surface finish uniformity, and whether the film matches the specifications in the technical datasheet. Gaps between stated specs and delivered product are common issues that signal the supplier is not genuine.
Ask about customization depth.
Can the supplier adjust thickness, hardness, width, color, and lamination configuration? A capable supplier should be able to walk you through their customization parameters clearly. A strong supplier is capable of customizing every aspect of your TPE film order, from dimensions to colors, performance specifications, and hardness measurements. They have the advanced quality control systems installed on production lines to produce uniform output throughout each manufacturing roll.
Evaluate their export track record.
Do a checkup regarding which markets they serve, how frequently they ship, and whether they have experience navigating customs requirements in your destination country. A seasoned TPE film exporter will have this information readily available.
South Korea's TPE film production infrastructure is established and well-developed. The suppliers we listed cover the full spectrum of specializations, from dedicated film manufacturers to upstream polymer producers with strong global reputations.
That said, if you are looking for a single source that combines decades of Korean manufacturing expertise, medical and automotive-grade certifications, full customization capability, and a proven global export track record, AFEL Polyfilms stands above the rest.
They have been supplying elastomeric TPE film solutions to buyers in the EU, China, and beyond since 1973. That is over 50 years of knowing exactly what global buyers need.
Ready to get started? Visit afelpolyfilms.com to explore product range or reach out to the team directly for a sample request and product consultation.
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