3B-the fibreglass company demonstrates its leadership on sustainable innovative reinforcement solutions using Advantex^® and HiPer-tex™ at K 2010

Battice, Belgium – October 27, 2010 – 3B-the fibreglass company, a leading manufacturer of fibreglass products for the reinforcement of thermoplastics and thermosets is present at K 2010 with a series of sustainable, innovative solutions.

3B showcases recently launched applications that demonstrate how sustainability is driving innovation and growth based on the three dimensions of eco-responsibility, durability and versatility. Thanks to the resilient and versatile characteristics of high performance fibreglass, 3B is meeting the demands of the market in the automotive, aerospace, defence, sports & leisure, consumer goods, construction, infrastructure and renewable energy industries.

3B composites and reinforcements experts discuss how sustainability has been a key driving force behind the partnerships they have formed with customers. Those have led to innovative and ground-breaking composite products and applications.

Together with Lati, one of Europe’s key independent compounders, 3B helped to develop Latigloss™. This unique polyamide compound combines excellent aesthetic qualities with outstanding durability and strength. This eliminates the need for secondary finishing operations or components. As a result less energy and materials are used and the total cost is reduced.

P.C.R. srl chose a pultruded composite skin for the new Sheraton Hotel in Malpensa which puts sustainability at the forefront of building technology and choice of materials. This breakthrough design was only possible thanks to the light weight, excellent mechanical properties compared to metal, corrosion resistance as well as electrical and thermal insulation of fibreglass. It allows for greater design freedom while its light weight facilitates fast and easy installation.

At the other end of the composite spectrum, HiPer-tex™ glass fibre was chosen by Gastank AB for high pressure cylinders that contain CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) for motor vehicles. The tanks meet stringent regulations and provide a cost effective and sustainable alternative to steel as the use of HiPer-tex™ fibre reduces weight and therefore CO₂ emissions.

PARA-LITE® ballistic panels from Von Roll show how extreme performance can be achieved cost effectively by using HiPer-tex™ performance fibres. Armored vehicles, personel shields and protective panels can be significantly reduced in weight while at the same time providing optimum protection.

Hugues Jacquemin 3B’s CEO stated: “At 3B we see sustainability as a tremendous growth opportunity. 3B fibreglass offers performance, durability and versatility, allowing for the development of better value, longer term eco-responsible solutions. We are forming partnerships to deliver cost effective, light weight and sustainable solutions which offer superior performance, extended life time and design flexibility for a wide range of markets and applications. We look forward to welcoming you at the K 2010 show to further discuss those sustainable innovative solutions”.