Royal DSM, SABIC, and UPM Biofuels have announced a partnership that will help reduce the environmental footprint of Dyneema, ‘the world’s strongest fibre’.
The collaboration will see Dyneema transition to bio-based feedstock, leveraging Saudi Arabia-based SABIC’s TRUCIRCLE solutions for certified renewable products. As such, Netherlands-based DSM is delivering on its commitment to improve the sustainability footprint of Dyneema, moving towards a circular, bio-based economy.
Royal DSM
DSM announces partnership with SABIC and UPM Biofuels to create bio-based Dyneema
Dyneema, ‘the world’s strongest fibre’
In December 2019, DSM announced ambitious sustainability targets for its Dyneema high performance fibres. This new partnership represents an important step in realising the goal of sourcing feedstock from bio-based raw material. The transition to bio-based feedstock will maintain the unique properties of Dyneema, enabling customers to adopt a more sustainable solution without compromising process efficiency or product performance.
The Dyneema bio-based material will be carrying the globally recognised ISCC Plus certification and will not require re-qualification of downstream products. Bio-based Dyneema will be available from April 2020.
Finland-based UPM Biofuels produces bio-based feedstock UPM BioVerno from the residue of the pulping process. This is then processed by SABIC to make renewable ethylene. TRUCIRCLE includes certified renewable products, specifically resins and chemicals from bio-based feedstock that are not in competition with the food chain and help to reduce carbon emissions. By applying a mass balancing approach, DSM is then able to create bio-based Dyneema fibre that delivers consistent durability and performance with a reduced environmental impact.
The new partnership underlines DSM’s commitment to working closely with partners and suppliers to realise a more sustainable value chain.
Wilfrid Gambade, President DSM Protective Materials, said: “By partnering with SABIC and UPM Biofuels, we are taking the next important step in our sustainability journey, and driving our industry’s transition from conventional to renewable resources. By improving the impact of our materials, together with our partners, we are helping to protect both people and the environment they live in.”
Mark Vester, Circular Economy Leader at SABIC, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with DSM and UPM Biofuels as a further step towards transforming the value chain and creating a circular, transparent, and sustainable economy.”
Juha Rainio, Sales and Marketing Director at UPM Biofuels, said: “We are committed to replacing fossil-based feedstocks with renewable ones. This collaboration with SABIC and DSM is an excellent example of a future beyond fossils.”