JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #94 - January/February 2015 - 13

B.B. : On both really. For making huge
steps in composite technology development, it takes some bright minds to come
up with novel resin chemistries. DSM has
a great track record in that respect. Based
on the needs of automotive OEMs to increase production series and to minimize
production waste, we have been able to
introduce our novel Daron® RTM resins
for use in combination with carbon fibre.
Understanding the upcoming changes in
the classification of hazardous substances,
we have led the industry in bringing to
market styrene-free and cobalt-free resin
systems.
We do need to know in-depth the requirements and unmet needs of the end customer. Therefore, we believe our job does
not stop with resin development only. We
need to partner with key channel players
for testing the complete composite
system in the final application to ensure a
fast commercialization.
Additionally, DSM has been very open to
explore new business models. Making our
cobalt-free curing technology available
to other resin manufacturers through a
license arrangement is good example.
This not only helps to make our own products greener, it also allows the composite
industry to make big steps in improving
sustainability.

Increasing use of composites in Building &
Construction (courtesy FiReP)

Future-proof drinking water networks with innovative relining technology of DSM and partners:
more to be announced at JEC 2015

JCM: Do you think that there are still
too many players in the thermoset resin
sector?

JCM: Overall, how do you think the composite sector will develop over the medium
term?

B.B. : I am not sure if there are too many
players. Definitely, there is production
overcapacity in this industry. This does
not help to maintain healthy margins and
create the environment to invest in new
technology. While this is important for
raising the level of quality consistency
in the industry, it is also important for
upgrading our industry's technology to
higher levels of sustainability.

B.B. : I anticipate that in the coming
years the composite sector will recover
reasonably well from the tough years we
have behind us. Customers in the various
end-use markets will continue to look for
composite solutions, because of the value
these bring in durability, low weight and
design freedom.

With recent industry changes and bankruptcies, many customers wonder with
whom they can partner for the future.
They need partners that are financially
healthy, provide security of supply, can
help growing their business, and support
them to remain competitive. Clearly,
DSM is well positioned here, and we are
obviously happy to support.
DSM has very sound financials and is
part of a strong global network. We can
build on a solid foundation of product
quality, technology leadership, and years
of customer commitment, while we have
robust ties with our raw material suppliers. DSM has a track record of leading
the composite industry in sustainable
innovation, value creation through new
business development, and addressing the
industry's major challenges, such as recycling and the reclassification of styrene
and cobalt.

At the same time, the market has changed. Customers do require a security
of supply that is sustainable, they want
to professionalize their operations for
increasing production series, and need
a supplier that grows with them and
they can build on. The number of resin
suppliers that can bring this perspective
is limited, yet DSM is determined to be a
supplier of choice.
DSM believes that the industry can only
grow in value through a close collaboration in the supply chain. In the near
future, you will see many more examples
coming from DSM of how co-creation in
innovation can drive better performance
and improved sustainability. We believe
such collaboration can rejuvenate the
industry and bring business success for
our partners. n

No94 January - February 2015 /

More information:
www.dsmcompositeresins.com

jec composites magazine 13

http://www.dsmcompositeresins.com

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #94 - January/February 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #94 - January/February 2015