#Composites

2018-10-11

Kordsa takes part in a new EU-funded project

Global player in tire, construction reinforcement and composite technologies, Kordsa has joined a new project under the European Union's R&D and Innovation Program Horizon 2020. The Project called PolynSPIRE1 aims at improving the overall performance of plastics recycling looking for a more sustainable plastic value chain.

Reinforcement leader, Kordsa is among 22 project partners participating in the PolynSPIRE project under the Horizon 2020 program to strengthen the research and technology development capacity of Europe, promote university-industry cooperation and develop cooperation in various fields. The main objective of POLYNSPIRE is to demonstrate a set of innovative, cost-effective and sustainable solutions for efficient plastic recycling. KoWi, the European Liaison Office of German Research Companies, hosted the kick off meeting of the project on September 25th in Brussels. The project partners who came together at the kick off meeting had the chance to get to know each other as well as discussing the project management process and technical details of the recycling processes. At the meeting, Kordsa's R&D team shared its role and expectations in the project.

The PolynSPIRE project consists of 22 partner organizations from 11 countries lead by CIRCE, Research Centre for Energy Resources and Consumption. The project has a duration of 48 months and three innovation pillars are addressed. The first pillar is the chemical recycling assisted by microwaves and smart magnetic catalysts. The second innovation is advanced additivities and high energy irradiation to enhance recycled plastics quality. These two innovations can lead up to 33% of fossil fuel direct reduction for the production of polyester, polyamide and polyurethane. As the third output of the Project, valorization of plastic waste as carbon source in steel industry is expected which can lead to reductions of around 80% of fossil carbon sources in electric arc furnaces.

Kordsa showcases sustainability and innovation-driven solutions at Tire Technology Expo 2025

Kordsa, a global player in advanced material technologies, participated in Tire Technology Expo 2025, one of the leading trade fairs for the tire industry, held in Hannover, Germany. At the event, Kordsa highlighted its advancements in tire reinforcement technologies while sharing its vision of providing solutions to the global tire industry with the advantage of local production.

Kordsa recognized on CDP 2024 ‘Global A List’ for climate change and water

Kordsa, a subsidiary of Sabanc? Holding, has been recognized on the 2024 Global A List of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), one of the world’s most prestigious environmental reporting platforms, for both Climate Change and Water themes. This marks the first time Kordsa has achieved an A rating in both categories.

MEL Composites delivers advanced hull infusion for Técnico Solar Boat’s hydrogen-powered São Gabriel 01

MEL Composites has reinforced its partnership with Técnico Solar Boat through the successful hull infusion of the São Gabriel 01, an 8m long, 2.4m wide, hydrogen-powered hydrofoiling vessel. Designed to compete at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in July 2026, the São Gabriel 01 is the team’s most technically demanding project to date and showcases the future of sustainable marine engineering by combining advanced composite manufacturing with clean energy systems.

“Action helps us change what we do!”

DAY 0 takes place deliberately before PERFORMANCE DAYS begins. It is conceived as a space for reflection, dialogue and active engagement — a moment to pause before the fair, rethink established systems and address sustainability not as a trend, but as a fundamental transformation challenge. Under the guiding metaphor “Turn the Tap Off”, DAY 0 focuses on root causes rather than symptoms, systemic change rather than isolated solutions, and collective responsibility rather than individual silos.

Pets in fashion: functional and sustainable textiles find new market at Intertextile Apparel

China’s pet economy is booming, especially amongst younger generations, and pet apparel – from designer outfits to functional garments – was a RMB 3.5 billion (over USD 500 million) market in 2024, growing more than 20% annually¹. To help exhibitors harness this trend, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026 will launch the Pet Boutique, presenting a range of innovative, sustainable materials that prioritise both functionality and comfort for pets.

VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

Lenzing AG to become majority owner of TreeToTextile AB and accelerates industrialization of new fibers

The Lenzing Group is taking another strategic milestone by acquiring a controlling majority in the Swedish innovation company TreeToTextile AB. This step strengthens Lenzing’s position as a leading provider of sustainable, wood‑based specialty fibers and expands its innovation pipeline with a highly scalable, patent‑protected technology platform. The transaction is executed through the issuance of new shares.