D&L Industries Inc. is seen venturing into the development of fiber plastic using abaca fibers which is an eco-friendly alternative, a top official of the company said in an interview yesterday.
The initiative is spearheaded by D&L unit D&L Polymer & Colours Inc. (DLPC) and the unit has been developing it in the past 25 years, said Lester Lao, DLPC chief executive officer.
“The Philippines has an endless supply of natural fibers that are mostly deemed as waste. About 25 years ago, we had already started exploring the possibilities of harnessing the potential of abaca fiber as an environmentally friendly complementary material or alternative to plastics. However, the technology to properly process abaca fibers at scale did not exist at the time,” Lao said.
“More than two decades later, with the various advancements in technology, we are finally seeing our vision come to fruition,” he added.
Lao said DLPC is doing the groundwork to make it available and be used at scale while at the same time developing various applications while creating the market and educating customers about the practical applications of the technology.
Lao said DLPC is in talks with potential partners interested in using natural fiber composites in making their plastic products more sustainable.
“What we have developed is a totally new material that is arguably breaking the boundaries of polymer science. With its unique characteristics and sustainable aspects, we are convinced that it has the potential to revolutionize the plastics industry,” Lao said.
While the raw material involves abaca fiber, the technology has proven flexible enough to use other locally found fibers, such those from pineapple, spider-lily or bakong, and vetiver, he added.
“The resulting natural fiber composites can replace up to 40 percent of polymers in the formulation of the various consumer and industrial products that are traditionally made of plastics, thus, helping minimize plastic usage,” Lao said.
He noted the properties of natural fiber composites that can complement or enhance plastic’s natural mechanical and chemical properties, while making it more sustainable.
“These composites are stronger and more resilient while being lightweight enough to float in water. Given these extraordinary properties, natural fiber composites have a wide array of potential applications ranging from everyday consumer durables to industrial applications in the construction and automotive industries, among others. At the end of their normal life cycle, products made from natural fiber composites can be recycled or diverted using the typical waste systems. It can also be made compostable for better circularity,” he said.
