Dyneema is an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre that is used to add strength to textiles. It is used by brands including Moncler, Vollebak and Craft Sportswear. 

Ropes and nets were tested at Clariter’s pilot plant in Poland and showed Dyneema could be turned into high-value, industrial grade, product families: oils, waxes and solvents.

Clariter has scheduled commercial trials at its facility in South Africa for 2021, with the aim to use Dyneema-derived feedstock in its full-scale European plants that will be built in the coming years. 

Petra Koselka, Clariter chief operations officer, said: “Looking at the logistics challenge to collect many tons of used marine ropes, nets, and ballistic materials is daunting. However, when an economical route presents itself, suddenly the next horizon seems within reach."

Roeland Polet, president of DSM Protective Materials, added: “Following our successful efforts to introduce bio-based Dyneema (mass balance), these results mark the next important step on the circularity journey of DSM Protective Materials. Recyclability is key to us, our customers, and society at large and achieving it requires cross-value chain efforts.” 

 

 

Image: Dyneema can add strength to climbing ropes. Credit: DSM