From the Sector

Modern Meadow, a U.S.-based leader in bio-design, has chosen Menabò Group as its partner for the development of the INNOVERA™ brand and the development of its global communication strategy. 
 
With over forty years of experience in integrated communication, the Italian agency led every phase of the project, from the creation of the visual identity and brand payoff to the definition of strategic positioning. Menabò also oversaw the concept, design, and content of the dedicated website; supported brand communications across online and offline touchpoints; assisted during major international trade events; and developed media relations assets for global outreach. 

INNOVERA™, previously known as BIO-VERA®, is crafted using plant-based proteins, biopolymers and recycled rubber, achieving more than 80% renewable carbon content. Completely animal-free, INNOVERA™ replicates the look and feel of collagen found in leather, yet it is lightweight, twice as strong as traditional leather, and available in various colors, haptics and finishes. 
 
INNOVERA™ is not presented as an outright alternative to animal leather, but as a lowimpact, high-performance option that tanneries and brands can offer their customers across fashion, footwear, the automotive industry, and interior design, while upholding the highest standards in aesthetics and quality. 
 
The official debut of INNOVERA™ took place at the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen, the premier international event for sustainable innovation in fashion, held from June 3 to 5. Alongside the product showcase, Modern Meadow contributed to the summit dialogue with the participation of its CEO David Williamson, PhD, in the panel discussion “Bio-Design Futures,” which explored the future of bio-design and the role of renewable materials. 
 
In an environment where sustainability communication demands transparency and credibility, Menabò Group shaped a storytelling approach that highlights INNOVERA™’s tangible benefits and performance qualities. With this project, the agency reinforces its international presence as a trusted partner for brands driving innovation and sustainability on a global scale. 

Autoneum's new impact protection plate, made from thermoplastic composite material, shields the battery of electric vehicles from impact, fire and corrosion. The lightweight com-ponent not only meets the highest requirements in terms of shock resistance and durability but also contributes to improved energy management and thus to a longer range thanks to its thermal insulation properties.

The ongoing transformation of the automotive industry towards an increasingly electrified mobility requires new shielding technologies to protect the battery system in electric vehicles. In this regard, Autoneum's new impact protection plate offers a high-performance, safe and cost-effective option thanks to its mechanical and thermal insulation properties, low weight and ability to withstand extreme temperatures.

Autoneum’s composite impact protection plate shields the vehicle battery from damage caused by impact, fire and corrosion. It is significantly lighter than metal alternatives and at the same time ther-mally insulating, which contributes to a longer driving range. In addition, the part meets the highest requirements for impact resistance and springs back into shape without structural loss or deforma-tion even after repeated exposure to stones and road debris. The new impact protection plate is based on long-fiber thermoplastic (LFT) technology, which allows the greatest possible freedom in terms of design and construction as well as waste-free production. Moreover, the additional rein-forcement of the basic structure ensures maximum rigidity and impact protection at minimal weight.

The impact protection plate reflects Autoneum’s technological expertise in underbody shields, ther-mal management and the application of the LFT process, adapted specifically for battery electric vehicles. The technology for the composite impact protection plate has been validated by simulations and vehicle testing at different European OEMs.

Based on preliminary figures, the CHT Group, a global supplier of specialty chemicals based in Tübingen, demonstrated its resilience and strategic foresight in the 2024 financial year. Despite volatile global conditions, the company recorded sales growth to EUR 614.3 million (+2%) and a significant increase in EBIT to EUR 21.1 million - an increase of EUR 13.4 million compared to the previous year. Growth came primarily from the APAC region (+13.7%), while the markets in EMEA (-2.5%) and the Americas (+0.4%) remained stable.

The clear future course is also evident on the investment side: at 44.2 million euros, the CHT Group invested more than ever before - particularly in the further development of digitalization, expansion of the global production sites and increasing sustainability. In Germany alone, investments amounted to 9.2 million euros, which corresponds to an increase of 124%.

Sustainability as a growth driver
Sustainability is not a trend, but has been an integral part of our corporate strategy for many years. The company is currently developing its Strategy 2030+ and continues to systematically pursue the goal of anchoring sustainability along the entire value chain.

The key sustainability targets include:

• Reduction of specific water and energy consumption by 10% by 2025
• Introduction of an energy management system at all production sites
• Increase the proportion of sales accounted for by sustainable ECO Range products to 80%
• Over 90% of the relevant purchasing volume with sustainably-certified suppliers
• Climate neutrality by 2045, with scientifically validated interim targets of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi):
  • Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions Scope 1+2 by 42 % by 2030,
  • Scope 3 by 25 % - CHT is aiming for a reduction of 95 % in all areas by 2045.

The sustainability strategy is based on three central pillars:

1. People – social responsibility, safe working conditions and human rights in the supply chain
2. Planet – environmental and climate protection, resource conservation, circular economy
3. Performance – sustainable products, innovation and economic stability

The globally operating company focuses on sustainable specialty chemicals solutions in markets such as textiles, paints and coatings, construction, automotive, electronics and consumer care.  The CHT Group is a foundation company and part of the Reinhold Beitlich Foundation. Its values - responsibility, innovation and sustainability - are firmly anchored in the corporate culture.

Reinforcement of the management team underlines ambitions
With the appointment of Dr. Christian Rink as CFO in October 2024 and Dr. Lorenza Sartorelli as COO on April 1, 2025, the management team was expanded in a targeted manner. Dr. Christian Rink brings extensive experience from the international foundation company Bosch, while Dr. Lorenza Sartorelli has extensive experience from the international chemicals group Evonik. These are ideal prerequisites for driving forward operational excellence, financial strategy and sustainability transformation.

Fibre and fabric production technologies – especially in the area of composite reinforcements – have played an as-yet largely unheralded role in the development of the UK’s Formula One industry, but the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) aims to change that.

Motorsport Valley
“If there’s one thing the UK does well, it’s Formula One, with seven of the ten F1 teams located within just an hour of each other in the midlands region known as Motorsport Valley,” explains BTMA CEO Jason Kent. “They are all linked to a national network of around 4,500 companies involved in a motorsport and high-performance engineering industry worth around £9 billion annually and employing 40,000 people. This network draws on the services of a significant number of our member companies.”

“With the exception of the engine, virtually every part of a Formula One racing car now starts from a textile, including the bodywork, the tyres and many of the latest fuel systems,” says Richard Kirkbright, project manager at Leeds-based Roaches International. “This has influenced developments in the broader automotive sector, in addition to the aerospace industry.”

Show cars and memorabilia
While best known as the developer of textile testing systems, Roaches has over the years also supplied advanced autoclaves to the UK’s composites industry, including a recent delivery to Northampton-based Memento Exclusives, a specialist in the production of show cars working directly with F1 and its leading teams.

Each major F1 team sponsor is supplied with one or two show cars for use at exhibitions and a wide range of other promotional activities arranged around the racing event calendar. These cars have no engine and their bodies may be made of fewer carbon fibre plies, but they are otherwise identical to the latest cars being raced by the F1 teams.

Memento Exclusives has its own in-house carbon fibre parts manufacturing facility and the integration of the Roaches autoclave has significantly expanded its capabilities in show car production.

Master bakers
“Composite materials undergo a metamorphosis in the autoclave which subjects them to both mechanical and chemical processes,” explains Richard Kirkbright. “Trapped air and volatiles are expelled and plies are consolidated under precise pressure. Heat cycles are then introduced, curing the resin systems and yielding flawlessly crafted components. Autoclave specialists are a little like master bakers, knowing exactly how to treat their ingredients at every stage of the process, to achieve the desired final product.”

“The Roaches autoclave now enables us to cure large components with full control and achieve a swift turnover of parts while ensuring the highest quality finish,” adds Terry Wasyliw, Head of Build for Memento Exclusives.

McLaren’s influence
Woking, UK-headquartered McLaren was the very first F1 team to introduce a car chassis manufactured entirely from carbon fibre composites back in 1981, setting the ball rolling for the creation of a completely new and global supply chain.

McLaren has this year unveiled a world-first in supercar engineering – aerospace-derived Automated Rapid Tape (ART) carbon fibre, developed at the dedicated McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) facility in Sheffield. This is being employed to create the active front wings of the W1 hypercar which has a starting price of $2.1 million.

A rear floor component was also developed for McLaren as part of the recently-completed £39.6 million ASCEND programme involving a range of UK partners, including BTMA member Cygnet Texkimp.

Handling, converting and decarbonisation
A wide range of handling and converting machines are supplied to the composites industry by Cygnet Texkimp, including bespoke creels, prepreg, coating, slitting and filament winding machines.

Its technologies are employed in the construction of composite components for aerospace and automotive, as well as in the production of tyre cord and more recently in the advanced construction of hydrogen storage vessels which are largely viewed as the future of F1 propulsion, along with advanced batteries for electric vehicles.

Cygnet Texkimp has been involved in the F1 supply chain for over 20 years and most carbon fibre used in the industry has been processed on one of its VHD creels. The company is also the largest independent manufacturer of prepreg machines in the world and is currently leading the design and build of the UK’s first carbon fibre research lines for a project led by NCC (National Composites Centre) to accelerate the development of more sustainable carbon fibres.

In addition, Cygnet is licensed to design and build the DEECOM® composite recycling system developed by new BTMA member Longworth Sustainable Recycling Technologies, the first of which was recently commissioned by the Henry Royce Institute in Manchester. DEECOM® is a zero emission, low carbon pressolysis solution using pressure and steam to reclaim pristine condition fibres and resin polymers frocm production waste and end of life composites.

“Decarbonisation is a major priority for manufacturers globally,” says Cygnet CEO Luke Vardy. “At Cygnet Texkimp, we’re developing the capability to process technical fibres in ways that enable lightweighting, hydrogen power and electrification, reduce waste and revolutionise the end-of-life management of composite materials and parts. In collaboration with our industry partners, we’re bringing to market some of the most innovative new fibre processing technologies ever developed to deliver real-world benefits that support the sustainability agenda.”

Prepregging
Another new BTMA member, Emerson & Renwick (E+R), a specialist in print, forming, vacuum and coating technologies, also supplies technology for the production of carbon fibre prepregs, which are integrated rolls of fabrics and resins.

Its most recent 1.7-metre-wide line supplied to a customer in Italy operates at speeds of 40+ metres per minute for web coatings or prepreg fibre and resin consolidation, or a combination of both processes. It is distinguished by an ultra precise three-roll reverse roll coater for the processing of high viscosity thermo-activated resins and enables the automatic changeover of sensitive woven fabric materials at zero tension, with three high precision calendaring nips with hot/cool plates. Multiple unwind and rewind systems for intermediate lamination steps include side loading and reliable lap splicing and zero speed splicing with a web accumulator for the main product rewind.
 
 E+R has also been part of a consortium working on the development of lithium-sulphur (Li-S) batteries within the £540 million UK Faraday Battery Challenge. Once commercially viable, Li-S batteries promise to provide relatively high energy density at low cost for sustainable electric vehicles of the future – inevitably starting with F1.

Strong links
“In addition to our powerful base of textile testing and control companies, many other BTMA members are working on further F1 and advanced composite projects,” says Jason Kent in conclusion. “We are also forging strong links with the UK’s key research hubs such as Sheffield University’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the Northwest Composites Centre in Manchester, the National Centre for Motorsport Engineering in Bolton and the National Composites Centre in Bristol.

“The BTMA recently became an associate member of Composites UK too, because this sector is the crucible of innovation for tomorrow’s textiles.”

Increasingly weaker demand from key sales markets over the course of 2024 is slowing SGL Carbon's sales and earnings growth. Group sales in 2024 amounted to €1,026.4 million, down slightly by 5.8% on the prior-year level (2023: €1,089.1 million). The group's adjusted EBITDA decreased by 3.3% to €162.9 million (2023: €168.4 million).

Despite the slight decline in sales, the adjusted EBITDA margin improved from 15.5 % in the previous year to 15.9 % in 2024. This is mainly due to positive price and product mix effects.

Declining demand from the key semiconductor and automotive markets, coupled with persistently unsatisfactory demand from the wind industry, led to a decrease in volume and sales in three of four business units. Only Process Technology was able to improve its sales and adjusted EBITDA.

Earnings performance in the past fiscal year was strongly affected by non-recurring items of minus €118.5 million (2006: minus €52.9 million). These mainly included the impairment of assets of the Carbon Fibers business unit totaling €91.2 million (previous year: €44.7 million) and expenses from restructuring measures in the Carbon Fibers and Battery Solutions business lines totaling €19.0 million. After deducting one-off effects and non-recurring items as well as depreciation and amortization of €58.7 million (2023: €58.9 million), EBIT amounted to minus €14.3 million in 2024 (2023: €56.6 million).

Taking into account the financial result of minus €32.6 million (2023: minus €34.2 million) and tax expenses of €32.5 million (2023: €19.3 million), SGL Carbon recorded a net loss of €80.3 million (2023: net profit of €41.0 million) despite the solid overall business performance.

In 2024, the Carbon Fibers (CF) business unit's sales continued to decline, decreasing by 6.7% to €209.8 million (2023: €224.9 million). The decline was due in particularly to the continued low demand from the wind industry and the increasing competitive headwind resulting from global overcapacity for textile and carbon fibers.

Adjusted EBITDA in the Carbon Fibers business unit decreased by €18.2 million year-on-year to minus €11.0 million (2023: €7.2 million). The lack of fixed cost absorption led to high idle capacity costs and combined with declining margins for our fiber products, had a negative impact on adjusted EBITDA. It should be noted that the Carbon Fibers business unit included the result of the equity accounted activities (mainly the joint venture Brembo SGL Carbon Ceramic Brakes, BSCCB) in the amount of €15.8 million (2023: €18.3 million). Excluding the contribution from the equity-accounted BSCCB, the adjusted EBITDA of Carbon Fibers would amount to minus €27.0 million (2023: minus €10.9 million).

In February 2025, as part of the review of all strategic options for the Carbon Fibers, a decision was made to extensively restructure the Carbon Fibers business unit, which also includes the closure of unprofitable business activities. A complete sale of the Carbon Fibers activities was reviewed and is currently not considered feasible.

In the reporting period, sales in the Composite Solutions (CS) business unit amounted to €124.6 million, down 19.0% (2023: €153.9 million). The decline was due in particular to the premature expiration of a significant project-related supply contract with an automotive customer.

As a result of lower volumes and product mix effects, CS's adjusted EBITDA decreased by €4.0 million or 18.0% year on year to €18.2 million (2023: €22.2 million). It should be noted that the adjusted EBITDA includes a compensation payment of €3.0 million for a prematurely terminated customer contract. The adjusted EBITDA margin remained almost constant at 14.6% compared to the previous year (2023: 14.4%).

Forecast
For the year 2025, SGL Carbon expects different but overall challenging developments in their key sales markets. For the semiconductor industry and in particular for silicon carbide-based semiconductors, the demand is expected to remain moderate. The main reasons are lower than originally forecast growth rates for electric vehicles and continued high inventories at our customers site. At the earliest, demand could pick up in the second half of 2025. The company also expects a high degree of uncertainty combined with lower momentum for the automotive market segment.

The forecast for the current fiscal year 2025 takes into account all four operating business units, as they are still in the early stages of restructuring our Carbon Fibers business. Based on their assumptions regarding the development of the key sales markets, the managers expect consolidated sales for fiscal year 2025, including all business units, to be slightly below the previous year (2024: €1,026.4 million).

Taking into account all four operating business units, an adjusted EBITDA in 2025 is expected to range between €130 million and €150 million. Furthermore, the assumption is that the free cash flow at the end of the 2025 financial year - excluding payments for the planned restructuring of the CF - will be below the previous year's level but still positive (2024: €38.7 million).

Restructuring Carbon Fibers
On February 18, 2025, the Board of Management of SGL Carbon announced a restructuring of the loss-making CF business unit. This includes a significant reduction of CF's business activities and a focus on a profitable core. SGL Carbon's group sales guidance for 2025 excluding the expected sales contribution from CF would be approximately €200 million lower. On the other hand, the adjusted EBITDA for the remaining businesses excluding the operating adjusted EBITDA of CF would be between 155 – 175 million €.

“In the coming months, our work will focus on restructuring the carbon Fibers business unit and safeguarding our profitability. This includes focusing on new sales opportunities to further utilize our production capacities and strict cost management. The major trends such as digitization, climate-friendly transportation and renewable energy sources remain intact and are the drivers for our key sales markets. SGL Carbon will benefit from these trends and the associated growth opportunities in the medium and long term,” explains Andreas Klein, CEO of SGL Carbon SE.

Beaulieu Fibres International is exhibiting its next-generation sustainable fibre solutions for high performance nonwovens in various industries at IDEA25 in Miami Beach end of April.

“IDEA25 is at the intersection of nonwoven materials and sustainability, with a focus on innovation and research to address environmental challenges and new opportunities. With our Sustainable Fibres Program, we offer low carbon, recyclable and circular solutions where performance and sustainability go hand in hand, bringing value in co-design and TCO performance,” said Maria Teresa Tomaselli, General Manager, Beaulieu Fibres International.

Self-reinforced PP fibres for fully recyclable automotive composites
The company will be presenting its comprehensive range of polypropylene (PP) bonding fibres designed for thermoplastic lightweight composites and automotive interior fabrics. These fibres assist car manufacturers and OEMs in meeting stringent performance, cost-efficiency, and sustainability standards. Beaulieu’s PP fibres are engineered to enhance the mechanical, thermal, and functional properties of composites while reducing vehicle weight.

Fibres for high performance liquid and air filtration
Beaulieu has set new performance standards for the fast-growing air and liquid filtration industry rolling out its full range of MONO and BICO fine-medium count fibres, as an outcome of its investment into R&D efforts to promote staple fibres in the field of high efficiency filtration.

In addition to its existing portfolio of PP fibres for liquid filtration, compliant with FDA and European food contact regulations, Beaulieu is launching a new bicomponent fibre range in PET/PE, PP/PE for high loft filtration media and fine count mono PP fibres for tribo-electric charged air filter media.

The fine count mono fibres are customized according to the line specifics of the nonwoven producer and guarantee up to 20% higher filtration efficiencies for nonwovens in combination with state-of-the-art acrylic counter fibre compared to standard PP fibres used in this application. Typical applications are air handling units in larger buildings and residential furnaces.

Premium outdoor PP fibres for resilient, weather-resistant crop protection solutions
Engineered for superior mechanical strength and resistance to environmental stress factors, these fibres enhance durability in needle-punched fabrics, ensuring long-lasting protection in the field. Their advanced UV stabilization prevents degradation from prolonged sun exposure, extending the lifespan of crop covers, while their hydrophobic properties repel water, reducing moisture-related damage and maintaining breathability.

Ultrabond, design for recycling
Discover UltraBond innovative bonding staple fibres that replace the need for chemical binders. They open a path to create 100% polypropylene (PP) needlepunched fabrics which meet the same performance requirements as traditional constructions, while reducing end-of-life environmental impact.

The 100% polyolefin-based needlepunched fabrics are fully recyclable, reducing waste generation and creating high value PP recycled products as new materials. Furthermore, the sustainable fabrics are produced with an improved Total Cost of Ownership and with a significant ecological footprint reduction.

Beaulieu strengthening its position in the hygiene market
With a full portfolio already serving the hygiene sector, Beaulieu is focusing on next-generation speciality bicomponent solutions designed to enhance softness, processability, and sustainability in absorbent hygiene products.

Hypersoft fibres are specifically engineered for topsheet applications in direct contact with the skin: 25% improvement in softness compared to standard reference fibres while maintaining optimal processability has been achieved.

Meralux is a bicomponent trilobal fibre that improves nonwoven materials by providing better opacity, comfort, and absorption. It also promotes sustainability by saving raw materials and reducing carbon emissions by up to 60%.

The Board of Management of SGL Carbon SE decided, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, to restructure the loss-making Carbon Fibers business unit. SGL Carbon will significantly reduce the business activities of Carbon Fibers and focus on a profitable core. Individual solutions are being developed for all Carbon Fibers sites, including the closure of unprofitable sites. On February 23, 2024, SGL Carbon had already announced that it was reviewing all strategic options for the Carbon Fibers business unit. The joint venture Brembo SGL Carbon Ceramic Brakes S.p.A. (BSCCB), which is allocated to the Carbon Fibers business unit for accounting purposes, is not affected by the restructuring.

A complete sale of the Business Unit Carbon Fibers was intensively evaluated, but is no longer considered feasible. Dr. Stephan Bühler, the responsible member of the Board of Management of SGL Carbon, explains: “We are in the initial phase of restructuring the Business Unit Carbon Fibers. We therefore ask for your understanding that we are currently unable to provide any specific details regarding individual site closures and the exact restructuring period. Our goal is to quickly begin the implementation in order to create clarity for our employees. We will begin the implementation of the restructuring as quickly as possible in order to contain the operating losses of CF and the associated impact on the entire SGL Carbon in the short term.”

The company is expecting one-time cash effects in the amount of approximately €50 million over the next two years due to the extensive restructuring.

Carbon Fibers produces textile, acrylic and carbon fibers at seven sites in Europe and North America, with around 870 employees. After a slump in demand for carbon fibers for the wind industry, the business unit's sales and earnings fell significantly in the course of fiscal years 2023 and 2024.

“The earlier expectations for carbon fibers as a future material for the automotive industry have not been fulfilled. The wind energy industry was also unable to compensate the shortfall in demand. In combination with increasing global over-capacities, high operating losses were incurred over the last two years, which weighed on the entire SGL Carbon,” said Andreas Klein, CEO of SGL Carbon, explaining the decision to restructure the Carbon Fiber business.

Preliminary sales and adjusted EBITDA 2024
Based on preliminary figures, Carbon Fibers generated sales of around €210 million in fiscal year 2024 (previous year: €224.9 million). According to preliminary figures, the negatively adjusted EBITDA of Carbon Fibers, excluding the share of the earnings of the joint venture BSCCB, amounted to around minus €27 million in fiscal year 2024 (previous year: minus €10.9 million), as expected.

The continued weak business development of Carbon Fibers also impacts the group. Based on preliminary figures, group sales of SGL Carbon amounted to approximately €1,026 million (previous year: €1,089.1 million) in fiscal year 2024. Preliminary adjusted EBITDA for the group of approximately €163 million was slightly below the prior-year level (2023: €168.4 million), but in line with the given guidance for 2024. Based on the current economic conditions and forecasts for some of our markets, such as the automotive and semiconductor industries, SGL Carbon expects the market environment to remain challenging in 2025.

Further information on the business development in 2024 and the final financial figures can be found in the SGL Carbon Annual Report, which will be published together with the outlook for the current fiscal year on March 20, 2025.

Adient, ein international führender Anbieter von Automobilsitzen, wurde für seine slowakischen Standorte als Top-Arbeitgeber zertifiziert und konnte die Auszeichnung in sechs weiteren europäischen Ländern, die bereits in den Vorjahren bewertet wurden, erneuern.
 
Die Prüfung durch das Top Employers Institute zeigte für die Standorte in der Tschechischen Republik, Ungarn, Mazedonien, Rumänien, Polen und Serbien eine Verbesserung – mit einer Gesamtsteigerung von 6,33% gegenüber dem Vorjahresergebnis. Hervorzuheben sind die Ergebnisse der am besten bewerteten Organisationen in der Tschechischen Republik mit einer Gesamtpunktzahl von 89% sowie Adient Mazedonien und Serbien, die beide 88% erreichten.
 
Das jährliche Zertifizierungsprogramm soll einen Vergleichsmaßstab für die Personalpraktiken von Unternehmen in verschiedenen Branchen und Ländern bieten. Die Ergebnisse basieren auf einer Umfrage, die wichtige Bereiche wie Personalstrategie, Arbeitsumfeld, Talentakquise sowie Lernen und Entwicklung umfasst.
 
„Wir freuen uns, dass alle bewerteten Märkte in unserer EMEA-Organisation die Zertifizierung als Top-Arbeitgeber erneut erhalten haben. Besonders hervorzuheben sind dabei unsere slowakischen Standorte, die gleich beim ersten Versuch ein Ergebnis von fast 85% erzielten“, erklärte Nebahat Gueler, Vice President Human Resources EMEA bei Adient.
 
„Angesichts des starken wirtschaftlichen und geopolitischen Gegenwinds, mit dem unsere Branche konfrontiert ist, geben wir durch unsere kontinuierlichen Bemühungen zur Verbesserung unserer Personalpraktiken ein klares Bekenntnis zu unserem Ziel, uns als Top-Arbeitgeber in der Branche zu positionieren“, so Michel Berthelin, Executive Vice President EMEA. „Adient schneidet in mehreren Schlüsselbereichen außerordentlich gut ab und stellt damit unsere Verpflichtung zu Spitzenleistungen unter Beweis.“

Autoneum has supported Renault Group in the development of Renault Emblème, a low-carbon demonstration car designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent over its entire life cycle. As a key partner of the project, Autoneum further optimized the environmental performance of its sustainable Pure technologies, which were used for numerous components in the vehicle interior and exterior. Leveraging its proven expertise in the development of lightweight and fully recyclable monomaterials with a high recycled content, as well as in the areas of life cycle analysis (LCA) and product innovation, Autoneum was able to reduce the carbon footprint of its parts and contribute to a significant reduction in vehicle weight for Renault Emblème.

Increasingly stringent regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale, new directives and the electrification of mobility require innovative approaches from the entire automotive industry. To support vehicle manufacturers in achieving their sustainability targets, Autoneum continuously optimizes the environmental performance of its products and processes: from further increasing the share of recycled content and the end-of-life recyclability of its lightweight technologies to reducing waste and shifting to renewable energy in its production facilities. In addition, the Company is working closely with customers and partners to validate data and products together. One of the most recent examples of such a successful collaboration is Autoneum’s contribution to Renault Emblème.

The Renault Emblème demonstration car emits 90% fewer greenhouse gases over its entire life cycle than a comparable vehicle produced today. To achieve these ambitious decarbonization targets, Renault Group assembled more than twenty suppliers from across the industry to participate in specialized projects in five different areas: eco-design, raw material selection, manufacturing, use and end of life. In addition to providing valuable expertise in the areas of LCA and product development, Autoneum’s contribution entailed the further optimization of its environmentally friendly Pure technologies, which already today are characterized by an excellent sustainability performance across the product life cycle and also include the Company’s growing portfolio of monomaterial technologies made of 100 percent polyester.

Autoneum’s innovative and lightweight materials were used for around thirty fiber-based components in the interior and exterior of Renault Emblème, including the carpet, the underbody panels and wheelhouse outer liners as well the front and rear trunk. Thanks to the high recycled content, the waste-free production process and the excellent recyclability of the materials at the end of their service life, Autoneum was able to reduce drastically the carbon footprint of the components. This outstanding achievement was made possible by further boosting the sustainability performance of existing technologies such as Ultra-Silent, Propylat PET, Hybrid-Acoustics and Autoneum’s monomaterial polyester carpet systems. In addition, the parts contributed to a weight reduction, which positively affected both the carbon footprint and the range of the electric car.

One of the automotive industry’s first hydrogen-powered spray booths has been installed by AkzoNobel at a new training center in Belgium.

Located near Brussels, the facility is part of a multi-million euro program to expand and upgrade the company’s network of more than 40 Automotive Training Centers (ATCs), which are located across the globe.  

Designed to go beyond local and legislative requirements, the new spray booth highlights how embracing the latest technologies can contribute to more sustainable operations. The site itself – which is 30% larger than the one it’s replacing – has been constructed to be BREEAM certified, further demonstrating AkzoNobel’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions across the full value chain by 2030.

“The industry of the future requires painters of the future who are fully conversant with the latest technologies and techniques,” says Patrick Bourguignon, Director of the company’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business. “By increasing the size of our Belgian facility by almost a third, we can accommodate more technology – such as the new spray booth – and train more people.

The hydrogen-powered combi spray booth is fully equipped for traditional repairs and includes an all-in-one repairs workstation. It also has a special air filtration system which uses “active carbon” to filter any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated during the painting process. An extra high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) produces clean air (up to 99%), which is filtered back out into the atmosphere.

“By further upskilling painters, bodyshop managers and OEM engineers on a new generation of coatings and technologies, we can help them improve operational efficiency and reduce their own carbon emissions,” adds Bourguignon. “The investments we’re making in our ATCs will therefore address a growing global skills shortage, while also helping us set a new benchmark for sustainable practices in our industry.”

The company’s ATCs are part of a broader global network of training facilities that AkzoNobel operates across its businesses. They support customers and partners across key industries including aerospace coatings, decorative paints and yacht coatings.