PGI Introduces New Moldable Substrates for the Automotive Industry
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Recyclable Material for Trunk and Wheel Well Liners Reduces Noise in Vehicles
MIAMI, April 26 /- Polymer Group, Inc. (PGI) (OTC Bulletin Board: POLGA; POLGB) today introduced new substrates for moldable automotive components made from recyclable materials that improve acoustics in vehicles.
Used in trunk and wheel well liners, the substrates made from recyclable polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) provide a barrier to absorb sound and reduce noise in the interior compartment of a vehicle by 25 to 30 percent.
PGI developed a unique one-step manufacturing process that combines the recycled materials with a top virgin-facing material, integrating both through layering and needlepunching. This one-step process, and use of recyclable materials, produces a more cost-effective product.
The company also has the capability to incorporate colors specified by OEMs and Tier I automotive suppliers during this process. The color-specified face fibers ensure weather and abrasion resistance to pass all OEM stringent specifications. Additives for UV protection can be engineered into the polymer for open trunk applications where sun exposure will occur.
The high-strength, lightweight materials range from 25 to 40 ounces. Introduced here at the International Engineered Fabrics Conference and Expo (IDEA07), the materials are currently being used in domestic vehicles and are now available commercially.
"This new value-added substrate is an innovative solution that meets the growing demand for improved acoustics in all vehicle categories and makes of cars," said Don Bokshan, PGI's automotive sales and marketing director. "Not only does this product deliver improved acoustical performance desired by consumers, and being specified by auto makers, it also is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional reinforced plastic, providing another benefit."
Polymer Group, Inc., one of the world's leading producers of nonwovens, is a global, technology-driven developer, producer and marketer of engineered materials. With the broadest range of process technologies in the nonwovens industry, PGI is a global supplier to leading consumer and industrial product manufacturers. The company operates 21 manufacturing and converting facilities throughout the world.
For further information, please contact:
Dennis Norman
Vice President - Strategic Planning & Communication
(704) 697-5186
normand@pginw.com
Source: Polymer Group, Inc.
Web site: http://www.polymergroupinc.com/
