Shortlisted candidates for Wood and Natural Fibre Composite Award 2015 announced

In a nod to the conference’s increasingly international audience, the proceedings will be in English for the first time. This year, too, the scope of the conference has been broadened to include natural fibre composites (NFCs) and bio-based plastics as a matrix for bio-composites.

At the event, the key themes to be addressed are innovative WPC and NFC solutions in industries including construction, furniture, automotive applications and consumer goods. Attendees can look forward to presentations on the international markets for biocomposites, WPC for construction and furniture, WPC & NFC in the automotive industry, bio-based polymers in composites, and much more.

One of the highlights of the biannual WPC and NFC Conference, Cologne (16 – 17 December 2015, Maritim Hotel Cologne, Germany) is the award presentation of the “Wood and Natural Fibre Composite Award”. Companies were invited to submit their recently or soon to be launched products for the award that highlights new materials and products from the world of WPC and NFC. The advisory board of the conference, consisting of top-class experts, has now selected six entries, out of the many applicants, as candidates for the award.

Each of the nominated companies will introduce its new material or product to the conference participants in a short 10-minute presentation on the first day of the conference. Following the presentations, the audience will choose the three winners. The winner of the Wood and Natural Fibre Composite Award 2015 will be announced at the first evening of the conference during the traditional gala dinner.

So, who made the shortlist?

Aqvacomp Oy and Flaxwood Oy (FI), Cellulose fibre reinforced polystyrene for music instruments
Easily tailored, the composites have the potential to replace the use of a number of rare and threatened wood species. Several recipes have been developed for different musical instruments with different property profiles, for example is a composite replacing granadilla in a clarinet. The components have excellent thermal and humidity resistance, reducing the typical tuning problems of wooden instruments.

Bcomp Ltd (CH), Flax grid fabric for reinforcement of thin-walled light weight composite parts
The novel natural fibre composite solution for automotive interior components has a higher price-performance-ratio than composites currently on the market due to its powerRibs technology (patented). The flax grid fabric can be combined with all types of structural materials, such as carbon fibre composites, glass fibre composites or non-woven natural fibre composites.

HIB TRIM PART SOLUTIONS GmbH (DE), Nature 50 – long fibre for injection moulding with a cold-press method
These long fibre pellets with more than 50% hemp fibre content, polypropylene and additives are produced with pellet technology. They can be used for injection moulded parts with standard machines and standard tools as a substitution of PC/ABS with 20% glass fibre content. Their fibre structure gives them a unique look and makes them suitable for use outside the automotive industry.

Millvision BV (NL), Biocomposite with agro rest fibres
The flower pots made from agro rest fibres and bio-based plastics are price competitive and can be used pots for tree nurseries and raising flowers. They are are cold soil biodegradable (within several months) when placed in the ground. This new pot acts as fertilizer, improves plant growth and prevents plastic waste from oil based containers.

ONORA BV (NL), Bio-based coffin in injection moulding technology
The environmental impact of this fibre-enhanced bio-based plastic is significantly lower than the impact of conventional coffins. The product is injection moulded which allows for more freedom of design and a variety of shape and colour. The bio-based compound makes the coffin biodegradable and is an example for new large-volume applications of biocomposites.

Plasthill Oy (FI), Kareline natural fibre composite and stainless steel
The handle of the new KUPILKA^® Knife is made from Kareline^® Natural Fibre Composite which gives it a good grip and a smooth-to-the-touch surface, thus ensuring safe handling of the knife. The blade is made from high quality stainless steel. The magnetic locking mechanism of the knife is unique due to the folding two-piece handle that protects the blade.

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