COMPOSITES
SECTION TITLE
fibres. Flax, for instance, is made of linseed which is locally cultivated within Europe and as it is grown and collected every year, is a renewable resource. Flax also has a specific set of properties that we are looking to bring into the industry and this, along with the development and use of bio-based resins and more sustainable options like Vitrimer, are just the first steps in how GRAM is making a difference.
PROMOTING CIRCULARITY Gradel Lightweight wants to contribute to the solution of climate change through promoting a circular design approach and mentality, where each part is engineered from start until the end of life. Having the possibility to be downcycled after its functional life, these parts will also be recoverable as a recyclable material that can be used for different industry applications such as decorative automotive parts, raw material for compress moulding, or reinforced panels. When we talk about circularity and sustainability, we must remember that it involves many parameters, not just whether the material used is organic. Tat is why we must consider the entire process chain, including the way the manufacturer
The GRAM process is compatible with natural fibres such as flax
produces the final part, energy consumption, chemicals used for final coatings, the labour involved, shipping, and even the actual need for the product to exist. Bio-sourced composites are an important step toward sustainability, but they are only one link in the chain.
GRAM’S POSITIVE IMPACTS
Existing engineering solutions in the market usually require excessive raw material and energy consumption to be manufactured. As these parts are not weight optimised, this can lead to increased CO2 emissions during transportation. Parts manufactured using GRAM,
however, can help to reduce the weight in transportation and therefore lower CO2 emissions, while the quantity of material needed to manufacture each part is also reduced. Additionally, the process requires less energy and therefore generates less emissions during the manufacturing phase. Furthermore, the process enables pre-engineered downcycle design and the possibility of recycling parts as grinded material to be used in other areas. With GRAM, Gradel Lightweight
is now entering two global markets – innovation in construction and sustainable furniture – within which it is aiming to demonstrate a sustainable manufacturing approach and circular design capabilities. Te company’s aim is to position itself as a leader within circularity and sustainable technology for large-scale manufacturing.
Bio-sourced composites are an important step towards improving part sustainability
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www.engineerlive.com
The authors are Rodrigo Perez Hernandez, key account at Gradel Lightweight, and Bradley Elsbury.
www.gradellw.com/nextgen
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