Teijin Aramid opened its newest plant for the production of its Endumax high strength tape in Emmen in the Netherlands today. By adding the new high-performance polyethylene tape (HP-PE) to its product portfolio, the Teijin Group says it has taken the next step toward global market leadership in super fibres and materials.

"For years, the Netherlands has played a dominant role in the global production of super fibres, including Teijin's aramid fibre Twaron. Thanks to the unique properties of Endumax and the start of the production in Emmen, a new material can be added to the list," the company said in a statement today.

"The aim is to obtain a global market share with Endumax of at least 15% by 2015 and production capacity will be 1,000 tons a year before the end of 2012. Teijin is one of the largest investors in the Dutch economy and has once again invested dozens of millions of Euros for the production of Endumax. A boost for employment and the economy in the northern part of the country. The plant also provides dozens of extra jobs in the area around Emmen," the statement continued.

Endumax tape is made from a special type of polyethylene (UHMWPE) and is said to be 11 times stronger than steel at the same weight, while its stiffness is said to be comparable to carbon fibre.

"The tape is extremely strong, chemical resistant, not brittle, light in weight and can easily and effectively be used in thin and flat structures. It will play a significant role in making various materials stronger and lighter. For example, it will be used for bulletproof plates, tubes, high performance synthetic plates as well as narrow tapes for cut-resistant gloves, ropes and nets, among other things," Teijin added.

The company says that in contrast to the manufacture of most polyethylene fibres on the market, no solvent is used to produce Endumax tape. The advantages are said to be a lower environmental impact due to less energy consumption and lower emissions into water and air as well. This, Teijin says, makes Endumax a unique, innovative and sustainable product that offers added value in many different markets.

Endumax started its development in Japan and was further optimized in close cooperation with Teijin Aramid´s development centre in Arnhem. The successful cooperation between the laboratories in Japan and the Netherlands and the knowledge at Teijin Aramid's Dutch production locations in Arnhem, Delfzijl, Veghel and Emmen led to the company's decision to open the first plant in the Netherlands.

Teijin Aramid is a subsidiary of the Teijin Group and world leader in aramids. Its products Twaron, Sulfron, Teijinconex and Technora are renowned for their strength, sustainability, safety, heat resistance and low weight and can be found in different applications and markets including automotive, ballistic protection, marine, civil engineering, protective clothing, optic fibre cables and oil and gas. The four high performance fibres are produced in the Netherlands and Japan.