ADVANCED RESIN INFUSION TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE COMPOSITES MANUFACTURE
CLIENT
Arkema is a prominent player in the global specialty chemicals and advanced materials sector, established in 2004 following its spin-off from Total, a French multinational integrated oil and gas company. Headquartered in Colombes, France, Arkema has positioned itself as an innovator in material sciences, focusing on manufacturing a diverse range of chemical products. Its portfolio includes everything from high-performance materials to industrial specialties and coating solutions.
Arkema is known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, investing heavily in research and development to create more efficient and environmentally friendly materials. Among its notable contributions to the industry is the development of ELIUM®, the first recyclable thermoplastic resin, which represents a significant breakthrough in the composites field, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable manufacturing solutions across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and boating.
https://www.arkema.com/global/en/
CHALLENGE
Arkema faced a significant challenge in promoting the adoption of their pioneering ELIUM® resin within the boating industry.
ELIUM® resin is unique in that it is 100% recyclable while maintaining the weight, strength, and performance characteristics of conventional resins.
The challenge was not only in handling the resin's unique properties during the manufacturing process but also in integrating it seamlessly into existing production lines, specifically for leading manufacturers like Groupe Beneteau who were committed to sustainability.
SOLUTION
To overcome these challenges, Composite Integration provided the CIJECT8 resin mixing & injection machine that was developed to support the infusion of ELIUM® resin.
This machine features advanced control systems and adaptable parameters ideal for handling the specific needs of recyclable resins, ensuring seamless integration into production processes without compromising product quality.
The precision and efficiency of the CIJECT8 machine were crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and performance levels required for high-end boating applications.
-1.png?width=400&height=474&name=CIJECT%208%20-%20Top%20Left%20Front%20(1)-1.png "CIJECT 8 - Top Left Front (1)-1")
RESULTS
ENHANCED SUSTAINABILITY
The BENETEAU First 44e, manufactured using the CIJECT8 machine and ELIUM® resin, emerged as a flagship model for sustainability. It demonstrated that high-performance boats could be both fully recyclable at the end of their lifecycle and manufactured in a way that reduces raw material needs and minimises waste.
PERFORMANCE INTEGRITY
The boat maintained exceptional performance standards, comparable to those achieved with traditional resins, thus proving that sustainability can be achieved without sacrificing quality.
MANUFACTURING INNOVATION
The integration of ELIUM® resin into Beneteau's production line required an in-depth overhaul and three years of R&D, highlighting the commitment to innovation. The CIJECT8 machine facilitated this transition, enabling more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
The BENETEAU First 44e set a benchmark for the circular economy in boating, showcasing how sustainable practices can be implemented effectively in traditional industries.
MARKET LEADERSHIP
This project positioned Groupe Beneteau as a leader in sustainable boating, paving the way for industry-wide changes towards more environmentally friendly practices.
PIONEERING
The success of the CIJECT8 machine in enabling the use of ELIUM® resin not only benefited Arkema and Groupe Beneteau but also set new standards for sustainability in the boating industry, encouraging other manufacturers to consider eco-friendly materials and technologies in their production processes.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
'Collaborating closely with Arkema to integrate this innovative, recyclable resin into our CIJECT 8 infusion systems presented unique challenges, but also unprecedented opportunities.
This project allowed us to push the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable composites manufacturing, reinforcing our commitment to environmental responsibility and technological excellence.
We are proud to contribute to setting new standards in the industry, proving that high performance and sustainability can indeed go hand in hand."
Tim Searle
R&D Director, Composite Integration
“At Arkema, we are deeply committed to advancing sustainable solutions, and our work on the ELIUM® resin project exemplifies this mission.
Developing the first fully recyclable thermoplastic resin represents a significant breakthrough not just for us, but for the entire composites industry. This innovation aligns with our strategic vision to enable greener manufacturing processes and products.
We are thrilled to see how ELIUM® is being embraced by key partners like Composite Integration and leading manufacturers to drive forward a more sustainable future.”
Name to be added
Title to be added, Arkema
“We can't force customers, but we can convince them. That's why we need pioneering projects to develop new technologies and prepare the next leap forward. The transition is underway. The entire industry will have to transform itself,"
Gianguido Girotti
GM Boat Division, Group Beneteau