Sappi Symbio bio-composite solution chosen to help reduce the environmental impact of motor vehicles

Sappi is proud to announce that its Symbio bio-composite cellulose fibre which is derived from responsibly managed, renewable forests has been chosen as feedstock for the development of lightweight bio-composite materials, for the Life Biobcompo project. The project aims to reduce vehicle CO2 emissions by 8% through the replacement of conventional mineral fillers with bio-based fibres, promote the use of more sustainable resources and demonstrate these technologies at industrial scale.

The project partners are the SAPA Group, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Italy, Centro Ricerche Fiat and the Sòphia High Tech Group. The bio-composite materials are required to have good thermo-mechanical properties, a high aesthetic value and good dimensional stability. The experience acquired by SAPA on the development of low-density bio-composites for automotive applications, in a previous R&D project, and the cooperation with Sappi have been fundamental for the achievement of the above requirements.

The European LIFE BIOBCOMPO project brings together the long-standing experience of SAPA and FCA in reducing the impact of motor vehicles on the environment including the Alfa Giulia and Fiat 500X models.

By developing light weight bio-composite materials to replace traditional materials in automotive components, the project aims to positively impact the mass of vehicle components and thus reduce the total weight of the car, decreasing significantly the total carbon footprint impact of the emissions.

Commenting on the decision Sappi CEO Steve Binnie said: “Innovation is at the heart of Sappi’s strategy. No growth is possible without innovation. Innovation is not an end in itself, but rather it must provide a sustainable, competitive advantage that will make a significant difference. Sappi has invested heavily to secure our place in the future Industry’s panorama and we are well positioned to take advantages of the future growth opportunities within sustainable Innovation solutions. Biomaterials and biochemicals are integral to Sappi’s strategy of extracting maximum value from wood fibre, our natural and renewable resource. We have taken a significant step towards generating meaningful revenue from this new business segment.”

According to Roberto Fedeli, Managing Director and General Manager of Centro Ricerche Fiat (CRF)- “this is a further step towards an increasingly complete environmental sustainability of FCA vehicles that confirms the activity the group carried out in the last years. I believe that using new materials (lighter, coming from renewable sources and making use of eco-design, i.e. designing a vehicle thinking about the environment in all its aspects, from production to use and final disposal) should represent the development model we must pursue in the coming years.”

Louis Kruyshaar, EVP for Sappi Biotech, explained: “Symbio relies on renewable natural resources and sustainability is at our core. Sappi Symbio materials deliver the perfect solution that allows freedom of design, high quality products, very low odor and low emissions with a high sustainable agenda. With a haptic feedback- Touch & Feel- Symbio balances rigidity and light weighting to deliver top-notch composites suitable for the new low emission challenges of the automotive world.”

Sappi will be presenting its Symbio product at the upcoming PIAE 2020 trade show to be held in Mannheim, Germany.
https://www.sappi.com/sappi-symbio-bio-composite-solution-chosen-to-help-reduce-the-environmental-impact-of-motor-vehicles

Related Posts

International Paper And World Wildlife Fund Collaborate To Develop Science-Based Targets For Forests And Advance Forest Restoration In Brazil

How much forest land—and what quality—is needed to ensure forests can continue to provide people, plants and animals worldwide with clean air and water, food and the goods and services they need to thrive? Through a new collaboration between World Wildlife Fund and International Paper, research will be undertaken to help answer the question of the quantity and quality of forestland needed for the planet to thrive. The outputs of this work will be used to help create the world's first regional and global science-based targets for forests, as well as the first comprehensive set of guidance on actions that can be taken to sustain the world's forests. Such 'forest positive' actions include investing in responsible forest management, supporting forest conservation, restoring forestland, and raising awareness about the importance of forests with consumers. Click Read More below for additional information.

America Recycles Day Happens Every Day at Pratt Recycling

America Recycles Day is annually celebrated in November, but at Pratt Industries, recycling is always top of mind. We are proud to partner with local communities, municipalities and businesses to help educate, encourage and enable good recycling habits. From classrooms to boardrooms, Pratt Recycling is ready to assist with your sustainability and zero waste objectives and to have some fun along the way. “Pratt Recycling partners with organizations, businesses, institutions and communities to annually recover more than 3 million tons of paper and other recyclables, diverting this material from landfills” says Shawn State, President of Pratt Recycling, Inc. “We receive material from every major metro area east of Oklahoma City, including: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Miami, Nashville, New York City, Orlando, and others.”

Cascades Extends its Transportation Electrification Program to Employees in Ontario

Cascades Inc. announced that it is extending its transportation electrification program to all its employees in Ontario . In addition to its 4,400 Quebec -based employees, the Company will now offer its 2,200 employees in Ontario access to the program that encourages individuals to transition from gas to electric or hybrid vehicles. To support its employees to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, the company will also install 30 new 240-volt charging stations at its Ontario facilities, extending the network of the 80 that have already been installed in Québec. It will also provide a financial contribution of up to $2,000 for each employee who purchases an electric vehicle. This is in addition to any government grants that may be in effect. The announcement was made at the Company's Ottawa sorting centre, in anticipation of Earth Day, and in the presence of the environmental leader Dr. David Suzuki and students representing Ontario EcoSchools. Click Read More below for additional detail.
Back To Top
×Close search
Search