Advanced PP Fibre grades for high performing textiles

18.07.2007

Borealis, a leading provider of innovative, value creating plastics solutions, has introduced a new series of polypropylene (PP) textile fibre grades which can provide high-quality and long-service life for carpets and upholstery. A special stabilisation package doubles the long term heat and UV stability.

There is a trend for more glass area on the exterior of residential and commercial buildings. This provides a challenge for furnishings in terms of heat and light stability. Borealis fibre grades HG265FB, HE465FB and HE365FB address this by providing a excellent wear and tear, and a step improvement in resistance to the degrading effects of heat, light and humidity on performance and colour.

The absence of “gas fading” additives in the fibres eliminates the potential for adverse reaction with nitrogen oxide in the atmosphere. This helps manufacturers to ensure a consistent, high-quality appearance for their products. Discoloration or fading of PP-based carpets and textiles is also avoided.

PP fibres made from these grades are resistant to flattening and damage from heavy use, allowing carpets and furnishings to retain their original attractiveness and quality longer.

In addition to end product advantages, the new grades are easy to process on existing lines and enable consistent quality at fast line speeds.

Marc Hubert, Borealis Vice President for Film and Fibre, comments: “The current market trend is for higher quality carpets and textiles to differentiate from cheap imported products and to compete with increasingly popular alternatives such as wood and ceramic floor coverings. Our new polypropylene grades create new cost-effective opportunities for the carpet and upholstery industry to meet this challenge, being the first to provide the necessary stability to guarantee higher performance over an extended lifetime.”

Borealis has more than 15 years of experience in providing advanced polyolefin solutions for non-woven applications and textile fibres. In partnership with the value chain, Borealis continues to provide innovative, value creating polypropylene and polyethylene solutions.

For further information, please contact:

Liesbeth Denys
Trade Media Relations Manager, Borealis
+32 15 47 90 24
media@borealisgroup.com

Borealis and Borouge are leading providers of innovative, value creating plastics solutions. With more than 40 years of experience in polyolefins and using our unique Borstar® technology, we focus on the infrastructure, automotive and advanced packaging markets. We have production facilities, innovation centres and service centres across Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific and work with customers in more than 170 countries around the world to provide plastic materials that make an essential contribution to society and to sustainable development. We are committed to the principles of Responsible Care® and to leading the way in 'Shaping the Future with Plastics.’

For more information on Borouge, a joint venture between Borealis and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, visit www.borouge.com.

This press release (BLPR178) and relevant photography can be downloaded from www.PressReleaseFinder.com.