Royal DSM launches two bio-based materials

Royal DSM has introduced two bio-based performance materials for the automotive sector.

The products are PalapregECO P55-01, a bio-based resin for automotive vehicle body parts, including exterior panels, and EcoPaXX, a bio-based, high-performance engineering plastic. Palapreg comprises 55 percent renewable resources, making it the composite resin material with one of the highest bio-based content available on the market.

Industry testing has proven that DSM has been able to achieve this high renewable content without making any sacrifice to product performance or production speeds.

EcoPaXX is a high-performance polyamide that combines the benefits of a high melting point (around 250deg C), low moisture absorption and excellent resistance to various chemical substances, including road salt.

Approximately 70 percent of the material is based on building blocks derived from castor oil, a renewable resource.

Nico Gerardu, member of the DSM managing board and responsible for the Performance Materials cluster, says: "These high-performance materials help us contribute to the automotive industry’s efforts to meet tough sustainability targets.” DSM Engineering Plastics and DSM Composite Resins – both part of the performance materials cluster – offer a slew of solutions to the automotive industry to reduce weight and improve performance and fuel efficiency. According to DSM, both Palapreg and EcoPaXX are currently involved in final approvals by several automotive clients including MCR. Palapreg which has already been used for the bodywork of a kart competing in Formula Zero, the world’s first zero-emission motor racing championship, and has been approved by the Formula One Association.