Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Interview with FIBRE RECHERCHE DEVELOPPEMENT
FRD, recognized as a Technological Resource Center by the Ministry of Research, promotes the emergence and development of innovative applications based on plant fibers derived from biomass.
What is the interest of using plant fibers in plastics?
As a renewable, low-carbon material, plant fibers provide lightweight properties, thermal insulation, vibration damping, and absorption/desorption, all at a controlled cost. In these specific areas, they undeniably offer proven solutions to the needs of manufacturers seeking operational solutions. Four techniques coexist in the world of plastics and composites: extrusion of plant flours (decking boards…), injection of plant fibers (car dashboards…), thermocompression of non-wovens (car trunk liners, door panels…), or implementation of composites reinforced with plant fibers (skis…).
Dedicated crops (flax, hemp, miscanthus), agricultural by-products (straw…), or exotic fibers (coconut, jute, sisal…), FRD works with around fifty types of biomass and masters the entire process of obtaining and applying plant fibers, from the plant to the final applications in construction, transportation, sports and leisure, and more.
These products and technologies fully align with sustainable development and circular economy principles. Generally, these fibers come from “zero-waste” supply chains where everything is valorized. Our philosophy and values are to provide our clients and partners with the most appropriate solutions: environmental respect, product performance, material functionality, and competitive pricing.
Photo credits: CB, Ecocep, Faurecia, FRD
