Event

Road to Biocomposites: the added value of natural fibres

Join us and at least 25 other companies for our shared learning event on biocomposites. Explore strategic use of natural fibre-reinforced polymers in regards to sustainability and the potential technical benefits they can bring. You may expect an inspirational day on the optimal use of natural fibres in biocomposites. During this event, the smart use of these materials will be discussed, so that advantages are highlighted and challenges are overcome.

Natural fibre-reinforced (bio)polymers, also called ‘biocomposites’, can offer significant advantages: less environmental impact, weight reduction, good damping properties, energy efficiency, possibilities for local value chains and lower risk in regard to health and safety of workers. But they come with significant challenges too. Join us for an inspirational event where you will dive deep into the different ways you can tackle the challenges. Get a comprehensive understanding of when the use of natural fibres really brings the added value in composites both in an ecological and economical way.

During this event, you will:

  • See technical potential: the technological potential of biocomposites will be described and shown through demonstrators and products.  We aim to showcase what is technologically possible and what the boundaries are.
  • Learn together: presentations by experienced natural fibre users with different perspectives will foster interesting discussions and insights. There will be dedicated plenary time slots to share your personal experiences with other participants.

The event focuses on the utilisation of natural, plant-based fibres and covers all fibre lengths and architectures: short fibre lengths (mm), continuous fibres (m), random, woven, and unidirectional fibres. 

Don't miss the chance to be part of a seminar designed to catalyse thought, debate, and partnership, setting the stage for the next wave of material innovation.

Programme 

  Time Topic Speakers
  9:30 – 10:00 Welcome drink  
  10:00 – 10:45 Interactive introduction  
  10:45 – 11:15 Natural fiber use in traffic signs and facade panels, the road to a positive business case Willem Bottger, NPSP
  11:15 – 11:45

We grow your cities: a sustainable traffic-pole using locally grown hemp fibres

Yorick Lauwers, C-Biotech

  11:45 – 12:15 Results and take-aways of the BREPLA project  Frederik Goethals, Centexbel; Wannes Lembrechts, Sirris
  12:15 – 12:30 Wrap up of the morning session  
  12:30 – 13:15 Lunch  
  13:15 – 13:45 Sirris lab demonstration  
  13:45 – 14:20 How to improve the moisture resistance and durability of natural fiber composites? Aart Willem Van Vuure and Gilles Koolen, KU Leuven
  14:20 – 14:30 Pause  
  14:30 - 15:00 Towards thermoplastic composites with natural fibers: first application case studies and outlook for further adoption  Hans Miltner, W8SVR
  15:00 – 15:30 Engineering the bio-based future with bamboo fibers: technologies, applications and future business cases  Johan Kocks and Michel Jansen, Bambooder
  15:30 – 16:00 Interactive end session  
  16:00 – 17:00 Networking drink  

 

The working language of this event is English.

Price:

Thanks to the support of VLAIO within the framework of the #industrypartnership project, companies located in Flanders pay 111 euro (exl. VAT) for the entire event. The participation fee for this event is 371 euro (exl. VAT) for companies outside of Flanders.  

This programme is part of Industriepartnershap in which 17 Flemish innovation partners offer an integrated service to stimulate growth and innovation in the Flemish industry in the 3 following themes: Digitisation, Sustainability & Industry 4.0. They do so under the leadership of Agoria and Sirris and with the support of Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen.   

Banner Industrie Partnerschap

Date

21 March 2024 10:00 - 17:00

Location

Sirris Heverlee
Gaston Geenslaan 8
3001 Leuven
Belgium

Google maps

Price

€111,- companies located in Flanders | €371,- other

Contact person

Profile picture for user Wannes Lembrechts
Wannes Lembrechts

Read more about this expertise

Date

21 March 2024 10:00 - 17:00

Location

Sirris Heverlee
Gaston Geenslaan 8
3001 Leuven
Belgium

Google maps

Price

€111,- companies located in Flanders | €371,- other

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