Gleistein Ropes switches to bio-based Dyneema fibres

Gleistein Ropes and DSM Protective Materials (formerly DSM Dyneema) have worked together over the past few decades to deliver industry-leading textile rope solutions for customers, with sustainability and environmental issues playing a pivotal role.

Now, Gleistein is the world’s first company to take the next step and is switching its entire portfolio of products made with Dyneema to be manufactured exclusively from bio-based Dyneema fibres.

The new, sustainable fibres from Dyneema are the first-ever bio-based HMPE fibres guaranteeing responsible sourcing of the raw materials without any compromise to performance.

Extracted from wood, the Dyneema bio-based raw material originates from sustainably managed and FSC and PEFC certified forests. The process involves the collection of crude tall oil, a residue from wood pulp production. The provision of the bio-based material occurs via a mass balance approach within an ISCC-certified value chain.

Gleistein Ropes managing director Klaus Walther said “By completely switching our products made with Dyneema to the new bio-based Dyneema fibres, we will reduce our carbon footprint by around 1,000 tonnes CO₂ in the first year alone, which is equivalent to taking more than 210 passenger cars off the roads.”

“Importantly, our customers will continue to enjoy exactly the same extremely high levels of performance they are accustomed to from conventional Dyneema fibres. We are proud to be taking on the pioneering role of being the world’s first textile rope manufacturer to use sustainable raw materials for its entire portfolio of products made with Dyneema. But we also hope more companies will follow our example and join us in making a real contribution to climate protection and sustainability in our industry.”

DSM Protective Materials global business director Jan Lodewijk Lindemulder said “I am very pleased to see our initiative to launch bio-based Dyneema is embraced by Gleistein. Switching their entire portfolio of products made with Dyneema to bio-based Dyneema demonstrates Gleistein’s ambition to become carbon neutral in the future.”

He added, “An ambition that is shared by DSM and the driver behind this sustainable development. Together with all parties in the value chain, we can and will reduce the carbon footprint of our industry.”

Vessel performance and optimisation is the focus of Vessel Optimisation Webinar Week 7-11 December 2020.