TRANSMARE LAUNCHES BAMBOO FIBRE REINFORCED POLYPROPYLENE AND BIOPLASTIC COMPOUNDS

Friedrichshafen, Germany, October 14, 2008 – Netherlands based Transmare Compounding B.V. is using Fakuma 2008 as the international launch platform for a new range of products reinforced with fibres from 100% renewable raw materials. The new compounds, which carry the Transmare® brand, are based on polypropylene (PP) and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) and utilise bamboo fibre reinforcement.

These innovative new products, which further expand Transmare’s extensive polyolefin-based portfolio respond directly to the market’s search for sustainable material solutions. Bamboo fibre, as a renewable resource, provides moulders and OEMs with a stepping-stone, greener alternative to traditional reinforcements. Importantly, bamboo fibres can deliver a ‘no compromise’ solution.

While bamboo cane is an age-old construction material, extracting, preparing and using the hard technical fibres at its core is a new technology. The fibre fractions generated range from very coarse to fine micronised powders, which are free flowing and look like wood but offer superior performance across all properties. Strong, light weight, wear resistant and exhibiting very low water absorption, each fibre grade offers different application reinforcement possibilities.

According to Transmare Sales Manager, Robin Beishuizen: “Bamboo fibre reinforced compounds can be processed by injection moulding or extrusion in the same way as those using other reinforcements. Applications areas too are similar ranging from phone and notebook housings to furniture and automotive parts. And, they deliver the same high reinforcement properties when combined with bioplastics, such as PLA for short lifecycle products, designed to degrade naturally at the end of their service life.”

“Moreover, long bamboo fibres can be blended in a thermoplastic matrix to form compression mouldable mats. We have added these to our product basket and their potential is already attracting interest from the automotive industry as a next-step solution for lightweight, non-toxic interior and exterior vehicle panels,” says Beishuizen.

All Transmare bamboo reinforced fibre PP and PLA compounds and mat products are now available commercially and are being tested and trialled at many moulders and OEMs throughout Europe. Examples and samples of these products are featured in Transmare’s presentation - Hall B5, Stand No 5228.

A key consideration for processors interested in pursuing greener technologies is that bamboo contributes to sustainability. It is a renewable, very fast growing, high volume crop and the production process to finished fibre has a very low energy requirement. Additionally, even if burnt in energy reclamation recycling at end-of-life, the CO₂ generated is balanced by the CO₂ take-up by new bamboo growth, making it virtually carbon neutral.

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