Intertek supports Sappi’s development of novel materials for automotive or consumer product applications
12 Nov 2015
Supporting innovation through assessment of a new cellulose reinforced polypropylene
Amsterdam, Netherlands – Intertek, a leading provider of quality solutions worldwide has successfully completed an assessment of Sappi’s new cellulose reinforced polypropylene material, in order to determine its suitability for processing and automotive or consumer product applications.Sappi is a global forest product leader focused on dissolving wood pulp, paper pulp and paper-based solutions. Sappi is strategically committed to maximize the value of wood derived products by exploring new possibilities and innovations with the materials now used to make paper. Recently, Sappi has developed a new material by using cellulose from trees to create a cellulose reinforced polypropylene. This material has potential applications in a variety of markets including automotive, consumer electronics and furniture.
Intertek polymer engineers assessed the new material by using their laboratory polymer processing facility to show that it is easily processed and can be made into “life-sized” items such as automotive components. These were then tested to explore their properties. The test results demonstrated good mouldability as well as high rigidity with low density, low odour, good colouring possibilities and good scratch resistance. The assessment benefitted Sappi by providing critical insight on the material’s performance which has helped to reduce risk of product failure and also enabled initial customer trials to be conducted, leading to rapid market introduction following a very short development period.
Intertek has entered into a collaboration with the Symbio team, part of a corporate start-up initiative within Sappi, to support their product development of next generation cellulose reinforced materials which are already in development. Intertek will continue to play a supporting role by providing testing and polymer processing expertise (injection moulding and extrusion) to assist Sappi develop new materials with improved impact resistance.
Intertek polymer engineers, chemists and regulatory experts work with clients to continually enhance polymer development through advanced analytics, problem solving, pilot plant injection moulding, film extrusion and compounding pilot line facilities. With this expertise, Intertek supports the development of new and innovative polymer products for numerous applications including packaging, consumer products, automotive and aerospace.
The Intertek team will highlight this news at the AutomotiveNL Supplier Day 2015, November 13th 2015, Automotive Campus 30, Helmond, NL
Learn more about Intertek materials verification programs
Learn more about Sappi’s cellulose reinforced polypropylene
Contacts:
Intertek
Frank Huijnen
Senior Consultant Polymers
Intertek Life Sciences
+31 (0)6 10 894 659 cell
Koolwaterstofstraat 1, 6161 RA, Geleen, Netherlands
Sappi
Jacob Hartstra
New Business Development Manager
Sappi Europe
Maastricht, The Netherlands
Tel +31 433822 432 or Mobile +31 631 920 074
About Intertek
Intertek is a leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide. From auditing and inspection, to testing, training, advisory, quality assurance and certification, Intertek adds value for its customers by helping improve the quality and safety of their products, assets and processes. With a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 38,000 people in more than 100 countries, Intertek supports companies’ success in the global marketplace, by helping customers to meet end users’ expectations for safety, sustainability, performance, integrity and desirability in virtually any market worldwide. Visit www.intertek.com
About Sappi
About Sappi Sappi Europe SA is the leading European producer of coated fine paper used in premium magazines, catalogues, books and high-end print advertising. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, Sappi Europe is recognised for innovation and quality. Its graphic paper brands include Magno™, Quatro™, Vantage™, Royal™, Galerie™ and GalerieArt™ ranges. Algro®, Leine®, Parade®, Fusion® and atelier™ are the brands for innovative solutions of speciality papers and boards. Sappi papers are produced in mills accredited with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification and EMAS registration for all our mills in the EU. Sappi European mills hold chain-of-custody certification under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) and/or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC™) schemes. Sappi Europe SA is a division of Sappi Limited (JSE), a global company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with over 13,000 employees and manufacturing operations on three continents in seven countries, sales offices in 50 countries, and customers in over 100 countries around the world. Learn more about Sappi at www.sappi.com