PLANTS or other recycled materials used as feedstock is being targeted by the Bioproof Project, which is now being supported by pump and valve manufacturer, KSB.
Since 2000, the demand for natural and synthetic rubber has increased by 50%, and with the rising raw material prices, especially for crude oil. This has prompted French companies to launch the Bioproof project.
The aim is to strengthen industry’s competitiveness by using bio-based or recycled materials. The project started in April 2013 and is planned to run for five years, with 10 well-known companies contributing their expertise.
According to KSB, it can provide almost fifty years of know-how in the manufacturing of elastomer liners for its butterfly valves. A total of 420,000 liners are produced annually by the La Roche-Chalais factory. This corresponds to between 200 and 220 tonnes of synthetic rubber in about 40 different formulas. Activities undertaken for the Bioproof project include testing of the new materials in laboratories and test facilities by materials specialists who will primarily examine the materials for ecological compatibility and economic efficiency.
This project is aligned with the company’s strategy to develop and manufacture high-efficiency, environmentally friendly products.
The partner companies are EFJM, EMAC, Geffica, KSB, Sacred, ITC Élastomères, Wattelez, Michelin and Hutchinson.