Rutherfordton, N.C.—Trelleborg and Algenesis Materials are working together to create sustainable TPUs. The aim is to create alternative TPUs specific to Trelleborg’s fabric coating applications.
Algenesis has developed TPUs from raw materials based on algae and non-food plants. The resulting TPUs, as well as being biobased, are biodegradable, and initial trials have shown the new polymer performs in a similar way in existing processes.
“We are excited to partner with Algenesis to explore sustainable alternatives to our existing TPU products and develop new ones where sustainability is a key value driver,” said Antony Croston, who is director of product development at Trelleborg’s US site in North Carolina. “Algenesis’ technology aligns very strongly with our corporate strategy, and we are committed to pursuing sustainable solutions to meet the needs of our customers.”
San Diego-based Algenesis has recently received a contract from the US Department of Energy to scale up the manufacture of its sustainable TPU technology. The proposal was supported by Trelleborg.
“It is fantastic to have a high-end manufacturer like Trelleborg recognise the potential of sustainable TPUs, and their knowledge of customers’ needs will enable us to quickly develop these TPUs for commercial applications,” said Stephen Mayfield, CEO at Algenesis. “We are excited to make our materials available to Trelleborg’s customer base and demonstrate the benefits of sustainably sourced and 100% biodegradable TPUs.”
