D&L Industries Inc. said its subsidiary D&L Polymer & Colours Inc. (DLPC), is launching a new plant fiber-plastics technology within the year to use natural fibers in producing various plastic products.
The technology will have a wide range of uses in global markets, including household appliances, automotive parts and electric vehicle components, it said.
“The Philippines has an endless supply of natural fibers that are mostly deemed as waste. About 25 years ago, even before the term ESG or sustainability became mainstream, we had already started exploring the possibilities of harnessing the potential of abaca fiber as an environmentally friendly complementary material or alternative to plastics,” said DLPC president and chief executive Lester Lao.
DPLC initially started with abaca fibers, but the technology can also use other local fibers like pineapple, spider-lily (bakong) and vetiver. These natural fiber composites can replace up to 40 percent of the polymers used in traditional plastic products, helping to reduce plastic usage.
“Natural fiber composites have inherent properties that can complement or enhance plastic’s natural mechanical and chemical properties while making it more sustainable at the same time. These composites are stronger and more resilient while being lightweight enough to float in water,” Lao said.
Because of these benefits, natural fiber composites can be used in a variety of industries, from consumer products to construction and automotive parts.
At the end of their lifecycle, products made with these composites can be recycled or composted for better sustainability.
DLPC said it is now working to make it widely available. The company is also developing different applications and educating customers about the potential uses of this technology.
“What we have developed is a totally new material that is arguably breaking the boundaries of polymer science. With its unique characteristics and sustainable aspects, we are convinced that it has the potential to revolutionize the plastics industry,” Lao said.