Sappi’s bio-composite cellulose fibre has been chosen for use in the Life Biobcompo project, which aims to reduce the environmental footprint of new motor vehicles through innovative low-density thermoplastic composites derived from bio-based renewable sources.
Sappi is proud to announce that its Symbio bio-composite cellulose fibre – derived from responsibly managed, renewable forests – has been chosen as feedstock for the development of lightweight bio-composite materials for the Life Biobcompo project.
A material ideal for use in motor vehicles, the project aims to reduce vehicle CO2 emissions by 8.0 % through the replacement of conventional mineral fillers with bio-based fibres, promoting the use of more sustainable resources and demonstrating the suitability of these material technologies at industrial scale.
Sappi Symbio is a highly engineered, strong and sustainable alternative to standard material compounds used in automotive interiors.
Project partners include: SAPA Group, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Italy, Centro Ricerche Fiat and the Sòphia High Tech Group. The bio-composite materials are required to have good thermo-mechanical properties, a high aesthetic value and good dimensional stability. The experience acquired by SAPA in a previous R&D project on the development of low-density bio-composites for automotive applications, along with the cooperation with Sappi, have been fundamental for the successful development of materials with the above requirements.
The European LIFE BIOBCOMPO project brings together the long-standing experience of SAPA and FCA in reducing the impact of motor vehicles on the environment including the Alfa Giulia and Fiat 500X models.
By developing light weight bio-composite materials to replace traditional materials in automotive components, the project aims to positively impact the mass of vehicle components and thus reduce the total weight of the car, significantly decreasing the total carbon footprint and the impact of the vehicle’s emissions.
Commenting on the decision, Sappi CEO Steve Binnie said: “Innovation is at the heart of Sappi’s strategy. No growth is possible without innovation. Innovation is not an end in itself, but rather it must provide a sustainable, competitive advantage that will make a significant difference. Sappi has invested heavily to secure our place in the future Industry’s panorama and we are well positioned to take advantage of future growth opportunities based on sustainable innovation solutions.
“Biomaterials and biochemicals are integral to Sappi’s strategy of extracting maximum value from wood fibre, our natural and renewable resource and we have taken a significant step towards generating meaningful revenue from this new business segment,” he added.
According to Roberto Fedeli, MD and GM of Centro Ricerche Fiat (CRF): “This is a further step towards increasingly complete environmental sustainability for FCA vehicles that reinforces the activities the Group has been carrying out in past years. I believe that using new materials that are lighter and come from renewable sources and by applying eco-design – designing a vehicle while thinking about the environment in all its aspects, from production to use and final disposal – represents the development model we must pursue in coming years.”
Louis Kruyshaar, EVP for Sappi Biotech, agreed: “Symbio relies on renewable natural resources and sustainability is at our core. Sappi Symbio materials deliver the perfect solution that allows freedom of design, high quality products, very low odour and low emissions with a high sustainable agenda. With haptic feedback – Touch and Feel – Symbio balances rigidity and light-weighting to deliver top-notch composites suitable for the new low emission challenges of the automotive world.”
Sappi will be presenting its Symbio product at the upcoming PIAE 2020 trade show to be held in Mannheim, Germany.
