It will demonstrate the ability to use biocomposite materials for vehicle exterior panels
Norwich, UK, March 7, 2023. Innovative technology start-up for biomaterials cellexcel today announced that it is working with one of the UK’s leading composites specialists Retractable composites which recently signed an evaluation license to explore the use of Cellexcel’s technology in a component in an electric vehicle manufacturing application.
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The project will see Cellexcel’s patented technology, Cellexcellent™, used to enhance the water resistance of biomaterials within Retrac’s existing biocomposite panels, enabling them to be used in vehicle exterior applications, reducing both weight and CO incorporated2 emissions. This extends the potential uses of biocomposites: as they naturally absorb moisture, biomaterials normally decompose, limiting their previous use solely to interior applications.
The resulting panels will undergo a comprehensive testing program that will allow Retrac to evaluate the technology in manufacturing applications and deliver new advanced material construction to its customer base. Providing potential weight savings to increase both payload and vehicle range through the use of biomaterials instead of high-emission alternatives such as fiberglass results in reductions in both production and operational CO2 emissions.
« Working with our strategic industrial partner Retrac, this project moves our technology from the laboratory to a real production environment, » said Tim Pryce, Executive Chair, Cellexcel. “We will gain vital insights to fully commercialize our innovative water resistance technology within biomaterial composites, accelerating their wider use and thereby helping to reduce embodied CO2 while offering lighter vehicles with higher performance.
Retrac Composites, part of the Retrac group, is an emerging market leader in the supply of efficient and lightweight composite solutions and powertrain hardware for engineered solutions in the transportation industry and highly engineered applications. He advises on lightweight strategy as well as composite manufacturing capability for OEMs in the commercial transportation sector, especially for low carbon and electric vehicles.
“Retrac is a trusted supplier to some of the biggest brands in the automotive, aerospace and motorsport industries,” said Dan Walmsley, CEO, Retrac Group. “As these industries rely on more sustainable and lightweight solutions, Retrac has positioned itself at the forefront of knowledge and techniques related to the successful application of natural fibers and recycled composites. Signing an evaluation license to explore this exciting technology will expand our expertise and help us innovate to meet the changing needs of our customers.”
The evaluation license project is currently underway and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2023.
About Cellexcel
Cellexcel’s technology aims to increase the adoption of biomaterials, reducing carbon emissions and increasing sustainability. To achieve this, he developed a unique solution to chemically modify the properties of biomaterials, with the first application allowing for increased water resistance. This allows biocomposites to be used in outdoor applications, such as the exterior panels of cars, trucks, vans or aircraft, dramatically reducing their carbon footprint without affecting strength or other properties.
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For more information:
Chris Measures
Measurement Consulting (PR for Cellexcel)
+44 7976 535147
chris@measuresconsulting.com
