Dyneema® is a very strong ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMwPE) fiber that offers extreme lightweight and maximum strength. Other characteristics of this special fiber are very high cut and abrasion resistance, durability, and flexibility. The combination of these features have made Dyneema® a vital component in a variety of industries.
INDICE:
- What is Dyneema®
- What is Bio-Based Dyneema®
- What is the difference between Dyneema®and Bio-Based Dyneema®
- Applications of Bio-Based Dyneema®
- Bio-Based Dyneema® guarantees the best performance
WHAT IS DYNEEMA®
Dyneema® fiber is produced in a patented gel spinning process in which the fibers are drawn, heated, elongated, and cooled. With extremely long molecular chains, loads are transferred more effectively to the polymer backbone. Compared to alternative solutions, Dyneema® is stronger at the same weight or lighter at the same strength: Dyneema® is 15x stronger than steel at the same weight.
Dyneema® is manufactured by DSM, a global science-based company that specialises in Nutrition as well as Health and Sustainable Living. DSM sees scientific innovation as a vital factor to manage some of today’s world greatest challenges, with the goal to create brighter lives for all.
WHAT IS BIO-BASED DYNEEMA®
BIO-BASED DYNEEMA®, launched in April 2020, is the first ever bio-based ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber. It is based on the mass balance approach and further reduces the manufacturer’s reliance on fossil fuel based resources.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DYNEEMA®AND BIO-BASED DYNEEMA®
The difference between DYNEEMA® and BIO-BASED DYNEEMA® is that the latter makes use of renewable or recycled raw materials. The first raw material used to manufacture Dyneema fibers is Ethylene, which is traditionally obtained from fossil fuels. In order to manufacture BIO-BASED DYNEEMA®, Ethylene’s origin, instead of fossil fuels, is now the waste from pulp and timber industries (the new main raw material). Combined with fossil feedstock, the raw material is processed and transformed into both conventional DYNEEMA® and BIO-BASED DYNEEMA®, which quantities can be allocated to customer orders through a certified traceability process. BIO-BASED DYNEEMA® is in fact certified according to the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC).
This step forward in DSM’s sustainability journey has included a partnership with SABIC (chemistry) and UPM Biofuels, which is key to transitioning from conventional to renewable raw materials.
APPLICATIONS OF BIO-BASED DYNEEMA®
Just like DYNEEMA®, the bio-based version of this cutting-edge fiber has several applications in multiple industry sectors. The following are some examples, just to name a few:
Personal protection: armor solutions made with DYNEEMA® guarantee the highest levels of protection along with user comfort and freedom of movement.
Sport & Lifestyle: clothing and equipment for outdoor and sports activities that protects people.
Gloves and workware: for people involved in activities such as assembly, manufacturing, transportation, logistics and food industry.
Sailing lines and mooring lines: The last example we include in this section is related to one of Gottifredi Maffioli’s core activities. The strength-to-weight ratio offered by Dyneema® is unique and super performant. Gottifredi Maffioli’s ropes made with Dyneema® are ultra-light and float on water, they are resistant to water, chemicals, and UV.
BIO-BASED DYNEEMA® GUARANTEES THE BEST PERFORMANCE, WITH A LOWER CARBON FOOTPRINT
The search for a full integration with circular economy principles and the commitment towards a lower carbon footprint have led to the creation of BIO-BASED DYNEEMA®, a fiber with the same characteristics as DYNEEMA®, but it is the result of a more sustainable approach – Mass Balance.
The mass balance approach provides a set of rules for how to allocate the bio-based and/or recycled content to different products. The mass balance accounting traces the flow of materials through a complex value chain and the companies adopting it are able to market their products as ‘bio’-based or ‘recycled’-based.
Bio-based Dyneema® fiber enables DSM’s partners and their customers to have a lower carbon footprint while maintaining the same exact characteristics and trusted performance as traditional Dyneema® fiber.
