Intertek supports Sappi’s development of novel materials for automotive or consumer product applications

Supporting innovation through assessment of a new cellulose reinforced polypropylene 

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.

As a global forest product leader focused on dissolving 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.

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The Intertek team will highlight this news at the AutomotiveNL Supplier Day 2015, November 13th 2015, Automotive Campus 30, Helmond, The Netherlands

Learn more about Intertek materials verification programs: www.intertek.com/polymers/composites/characterization
Learn more about Sappi’s cellulose reinforced polypropylene:
www.forestplastics.com

Contacts:

Intertek

Frank Huijnen
Senior Consultant Polymers
Intertek Life Sciences
Koolwaterstofstraat 1 | 6161 RA Geleen | The Netherlands
Mobile +31 (0)6 10 894 659

Sappi

Jacob Hartstra
New Business Development Manager
Sappi Europe

Biesenweg 16 | 6211 AA Maastricht | The Netherlands

Tel +31 433822 432 | Mobile +31 (0) 6 31 920 074

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