Manufacturing News: 3B The Fibreglass Company reinforces its Sustainability Mission.

Manufacturing News: 27.10.2010

3B-The Fibreglass Company reinforces its sustainability mission.

Battice, Belgium - October 27, 2010 - 3B-the fibreglass company has partnered with Reprocover, a local Belgian company, to develop very attractive sustainable solutions for sewage, drainage and water supply applications. Typically, the composite solutions are made of 95% of recycled materials

and have proven their ability to replace efficiently commonly used cast iron for the production of sewage trapdoors, manholes, utility access holes, etc. Replacing metal has long been the challenge of glass fibre reinforced composites in order to reduce cost, complexity and weight. Along side these attributes, two key performance criteria -superior impact performance and improved weatherability- have been achieved. This resulted in Reprocover, together with 3B, developing a product range molded from a thermoset compound reinforced by 50 to 60% Advantex® glass. The Reprocover breakthrough lies in their specialized process of grinding and mixing of the recycled materials. Reprocover also worked on the geometry of the different components of each product in order to maximize the load resistance to weight ratio. All of the applicatios can be easily fixed to PVC pipes, connections and inspection on pits. The Reprocover's products have been approved by Belgian Water Authorities, which definitely opens many new opportunities in building and road construction. 3B has a long tradition in delivering innovative reinforcement solutions that are based on a deep understanding of market needs and a strong foundation in composite science. "The concept created by Reprocover is a huge step forward!" It really demonstrates how thanks to the replacement of metal by glass reinforced composite, new markets and applications can benefit from the advantages of lightweight, design flexibility, corrosion resistance and easy processing. In addition, the products display dimensional stability over a large temperature range (from -40°C to 70°C) as well as a chemical resistance to salts and detergents. Recycled Manhole Cover

The Reprocover breakthrough lies in their specialized process of grinding and mixing of the recycled materials. Reprocover also worked on the geometry of the different components of each product in order to maximize the load resistance to weight ratio. All of the applicatios can be easily fixed to PVC pipes, connections and inspection pits. The Reprocover's products have been approved by Belgian Water Authorities, which definitely opens many new opportunities in building and road construction. 3B has a long tradition in delivering innovative reinforcement solutions that are based on a deep understanding of market needs and a strong foundation in composite science. "The concept created by Reprocover is a huge step forward! It really demonstrates how thanks to the replacement of metal by glass reinforced composite, new markets and applications can benefit from the advantages of lightweight, design flexibility, corrosion resistance and easy processing. In addition, the products display dimensional stability over a large temperature range (from -40°C to 70°C) as well as a chemical resistance to salts and detergents. They open new opportunities in sewage and utility supply markets." stated Dr. Eric Martin, Thermoplastic Product Manager of 3B. "Within 3B, we are dedicated to developing sustainable and durable glass fibre reinforcement solutions. Recycling our glass fibre wastes is a key driver in our sustainability strategy and partnering together with Reprocover has enabled us to pursue the minimization of our environmental footprint", he concluded.

About 3B

3B is a leading developer and supplier of fibreglass products and technologies for the reinforcement of thermoplastics and thermosets. This young and dynamic company has two state-of-the-art fibreglass manufacturing facilities in Battice, Belgium and Birkeland, Norway formerly owned by Owens Corning. 3B has its own manufacturing, sales, marketing and R&D organization and is committed to technological innovation and excellence with an emphasis on environmental responsibility. The company has two unique glass technologies - Advantex® an eco-responsible ECR glass and HiPer-tex™ a high performance glass fibre - both used in a wide range of industrial applications such as automotive, defence, infrastructure, to mass transit and renewable wind and marine energy generation.
3B is owned by Platinum Equity, a global firm specializing in the merger, acquisition and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets. For more information, visit: www.3b-fibreglass.com.

Reader Enquiries
3B-the fibreglass company
Route de Maestricht
B-4651 Battice
Belgium

Tel: +32 2 402 2000
Fax: +32 2 402 2002
E-mail: Laurence.ponchaut@3b-fibreglass.com
Web: www.3b-fibreglass.com