Rutherfordton, North Carolina (USA) - Trelleborg, a global leader in engineered polymer solutions, has signed a Collaboration Agreement with Algenesis Materials, a sustainable Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPUs) provider. Trelleborg uses TPUs to coat fabrics across various industries, from Aerospace to Outdoor and Recreation.
Algenesis has developed TPUs from raw materials extracted from algae and non-food plants and formulated them into high-performance bio-based and bio-degradable products that replace petroleum-based TPUs. The collaboration aims to create sustainable TPU polymers specific to Trelleborg's applications, where customers desire more sustainable options.
"We are excited to partner with Algenesis to explore sustainable alternatives to our existing TPU products and develop new ones where sustainability is a key value driver," said Antony Croston, Director of Product Development at Trelleborg's U.S. facility in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. "Algenesis' technology aligns very strongly with our corporate strategy, and we are committed to pursuing sustainable solutions to meet the needs of our customers."
Collaborating to develop new biobased polymers can result in both a reduction of microplastic pollutants in the environment and lower costs for customers. Initial trials have shown that the Algenesis polymer performs similarly to established solutions within existing processes.
Dr. Stephen Mayfield, CEO of Algenesis, commented: "The world needs alternatives to petroleum-based plastics that pollute our environment and create microplastics. Algenesis, teaming with Trelleborg, can offer a viable, price-competitive TPU-coated fabric alternative. It is fantastic to have a high-end manufacturer like Trelleborg recognize the potential of sustainable TPUs. Their knowledge of customers' needs will enable us to develop these TPUs for commercial applications quickly. We are excited to make our materials available to Trelleborg's customer base and demonstrate the benefits of sustainably sourced and 100% biodegradable TPUs."
For more information, please contact:
Jenny Nichols
Email : [email protected]
About Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics and Trelleborg Group
Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics is one of the world’s leading producers of specialty polymer-coated and calendared materials. It focuses on meeting the most demanding needs of aerospace, automotive, healthcare & medical, manufacturing, marine, outdoor and recreation, protection and safety, and rail and mass transit customers. Its network extends to 5 production locations globally. The business unit accelerates the progress of its customers through outstanding polymer expertise, an unrivalled product range including patented products and proprietary materials, a portfolio of established brands, unique process offerings, its and ‘Ease of Doing Business’ philosophy. www.TrelleborgECF.com
Trelleborg is a world leader in engineered polymer solutions that seal, damp and protect critical applications in demanding environments. Its innovative solutions accelerate performance for customers in a sustainable way. The Trelleborg Group’s continuing operations had annual sales of about SEK 30 billion (EUR 3.342.83 billion, USD 3.952.98 billion) in 2022. The Group comprises three business areas: Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Trelleborg Wheel Systems. The Trelleborg share has been listed on the Stock Exchange since 1964 and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Large Cap. www.Trelleborg.com
Algenesis recently received a contract from the U.S. Department of Energy to scale up manufacturing capabilities for its sustainable TPU technology, a proposal supported by Trelleborg.
To learn more about engineered coated fabric from Trelleborg, please visit: TrelleborgECF.com.
