D&L Industries Inc., through its subsidiary D&L Polymer & Colours, Inc. (DLPC), is launching a pioneering plant fiber-plastics technology this year that will have a wide range of potential uses in the global market, from household appliances to automotive and electric vehicle parts.
With this revolutionary product, DLPC is spearheading technological advancements in sustainable plastics, transforming natural fibers, often considered waste, into an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics.
“The Philippines has an endless supply of natural fibers that are often discarded,” said DLPC President and CEO Lester A. Lao. “About 25 years ago, even before ESG or sustainability became mainstream, we began exploring the potential of abaca fiber as an environmentally friendly material.”
However, processing abaca fibers on a large scale was challenging. “Abaca is known as the world’s strongest natural fiber,” Lao explained. “The technology to properly process it at scale didn't exist 25 years ago. Normal metal blades used to cut the fibers would quickly wear out. With recent technological advancements, we can now process abaca effectively without using metal blades, and our vision is finally becoming a reality.”
While DLPC initially used abaca fiber, the technology is adaptable to other locally-sourced fibers like pineapple, spider-lily (bakong), and vetiver.
The resulting natural fiber composites can replace up to 40 percent of the polymers in various consumer and industrial products traditionally made entirely of plastic, helping to minimize plastic usage.
“Natural fiber composites have inherent properties that complement or enhance the properties of plastics while making them more sustainable,” Lao said. “These composites are stronger and more resilient while remaining lightweight.”
Natural fiber composites have a broad range of potential applications, from everyday consumer goods to industrial uses in construction and automotive industries.
“Products made from natural fiber composites can be recycled or composted at the end of their life cycle,” Lao added.
Following the successful development of this technology, DLPC is working to make it widely available. The company is developing various applications, creating market demand, and educating customers about the technology's potential. DLPC is also in talks with potential partners interested in using natural fiber composites to make their plastic products more sustainable.
“We have developed a new material that is pushing the boundaries of polymer science,” Lao said. “With its unique characteristics and sustainability benefits, we believe it can revolutionize the plastics industry. We are exploring uncharted territory with endless opportunities."
Lao emphasized the importance of reducing plastic consumption. “We can’t eliminate plastics entirely because there’s no viable alternative. Even paper cups and packaging often contain plastic. What we’re doing is reducing plastic usage by adding up to 40 percent natural fibers. These products can be recycled and composted, making them more sustainable.”