This move includes the full conversion of HexPly M78.1-LT prepregs to the more sustainable HexPly Nature version.
Since the early 1970s, when it manufactured its composite skis at industrial scale, Hexcel has been a partner to the winter sports industry. Today, the company supplies a portfolio of products, including HexPly prepregs, Polyspeed laminates, and Modipur polyurethanes, to companies such as Elan, Fischer, Kästle, Stöckli, Tecnica Group (Blizzard and Nordica brands), and Völkl.
The HexPly Nature Range is the result of a development initiative during which Hexcel collaborated with its customers to ensure the new bio-derived prepregs met the rigorous OEM qualification and production standards while maintaining exceptional performance on the slopes.
“At Tecnica Group, we pride ourselves on delivering high-performance skis that meet the rigorous demands of our customers and the environment,” said Alberto Zanatta, chairman of Tecnica Group. “Partnering with Hexcel to incorporate its Nature range of bio-derived prepregs into our series production process has been seamless. Hexcel’s advanced composite technology and commitment to sustainability have enabled us to transition smoothly without compromising the performance or consistency of our skis in series production and out on the mountain. This choice is perfectly compliant to the Action Plan for carbon footprint reduction and products’ circularity the Group is taking towards a more sustainable future.”
The HexPly Nature Range version of M78.1-LT prepreg offers the same consistency as its predecessor, as well as rapid curing, robust handling, and outstanding adhesion to aluminium, wood and thermoplastics. Hexcel provides a variety of HexPly M78.1 standard products, from lightweight fleeces for bonding to heavier weight glass fibre reinforcements, tailored to ensure an excellent cost/performance ratio. Additionally, Hexcel has developed superior carbon fibre-based prepregs for high-performance ski applications.
PIC CAP: Pictured is a ski manufactured by Blizzard using HexPly Nature Range with bio-derived epoxy resin content and natural fibre reinforcement.