23 Sep 2010
EU APPROVES DYNEEMA® FIBERS FOR CUT RESISTANT GLOVES USED FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY
URMOND (NL), 23 September 2010 - Dyneema® ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers can now be used in cut resistant gloves for the food processing industry in Europe.
Gloves made with Dyneema® are ideal for use in the food industry, thanks to a combination of the very high level of protection they provide together with enhanced comfort and durability. Wearer comfort is equally as important as protection performance for safety managers and company’s employees, since it is a crucial factor in ensuring that gloves are actually worn. Durability is also important for the buyer. Gloves made with Dyneema® have very long service lives and withstand multiple laundering cycles, delivering cost savings without compromising on performance.
Within the European Union, materials and articles used in food contact applications need to comply with very strict requirements laid out in the Framework Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 governing materials used in contact with food, as well as the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006. UHMWPE fiber of DSM Dyneema, has now been granted approval under these EU regulations.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for UHMWPE fiber of DSM Dyneema in 2006 for use in food contact applications.
DSM actively pursues food contact approval status for high performance polyethylene fibers.
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Notes for editors
About DSM Dyneema
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is an ultra strong polyethylene fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel. Dyneema® is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands), Flaach (Switzerland) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com and www.gloves.dyneema.com.
DSM – the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company
Royal DSM N.V. creates solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance. Its end markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrical and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM manages its business with a focus on the triple bottom line of economic performance, environmental quality and social responsibility, which it pursues simultaneously and in parallel. DSM has annual net sales of about € 8 billion and employs some 22,700 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com.
Dyneema® and Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™ are trademarks of Royal DSM. Use of these trademarks is prohibited unless strictly authorized.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Related images
Dyneema® can now be used in cut resistant gloves for the food processing industry in Europe (Photo credit Ansell, DYNPR168)
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Dyneema
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EMG