The carbon footprint of the super-strong fiber Twaron is 28 percent lower compared to 2014. This is evident from a recently conducted life cycle analysis (LCA), commissioned by Twaron producer Teijin Aramid.
According to Teijin, the reduction is the result of years of focus on sustainability. Process improvements and the transition to 100% renewable electricity in particular played an important role.
European wind energy
To lend force to its ambition of a zero footprint, Teijin Aramid purchased so-called Guarantees of Origin (GOs). These GOs are part of the European Energy Certificate System (EECS). With the purchase of these GOs for European wind energy, Teijin Aramid covers one hundred percent of the total expected electricity consumption of the Dutch production sites for 2021.
‘We are convinced that we are on the right path to a zero footprint by 2050. By consuming less energy, investing in green energy and recycling more, we are directly contributing to a better world for future generations,’ says CEO Peter ter Horst
Recycling
Recycling of the aramid fiber has been a spearhead for Teijin for decades. The company is currently investing heavily in pilots to expand physical, chemical and mechanical recycling. The production locations in Delfzijl, Emmen and Arnhem are working closely together to refine the technology. The first laboratory trials are promising and it is now time to scale up to larger trials.
Teijin’s ambition is to recover even more material from the market to avoid incineration and landfill of aramid-containing waste. Advanced recycling techniques allow the raw material to be reused, further reducing the carbon footprint significantly over time.
Pulp
Each kilogram of recycled aramid saves about four kilograms of CO2 in the production of pulp. Teijin aims to close the loop with new logistics partnerships to recover even more material from the market.
