PRF has made steps in lessening its environmental impact, particularly in its investment in and use of solar energy. The company now has solar panels on three out of four sites, including the latest installation of a 192 panel array on its prepreg manufacturing facility. In total, approaching half of the company’s annual electricity usage is now self-generated solar power: ~130,000 kwh. For the remaining energy usage, PRF has recently renewed over half of its energy supply contracts to use green energy from renewable sources only and are in the process of converting the remaining supply.
Additionally, PRF has launched its RP570 FR REEPREG: a fire-retardant, eXpress cure prepreg material made with recycled carbon fibre nonwoven mat. This product is being described in the industry as a major leap forward in improving circularity and reducing environmental impact.
Managing director Dave Ellson said: “We have been looking at waste elimination and improving circularity by regeneration of waste into a product that can be utilised in the supply chain. We have been investing significantly in this process and have launched our market-leading recycled carbon prepreg product – REEPREG - that offers a viable way forward in replacing some virgin carbon fibre usage and offering prepreg materials that use significantly less energy to process. By obtaining ISO 14001, PRF demonstrates its commitment to the environment, our employees and our neighbours, and our continued commitment to helping our customers achieve sustainability gains as well. It’s really exciting to see the growth and development of PRF in certifications and capabilities.”
Last December, PRF Composite Materials launched RP570 FR REEPREG, a fire retardant eXpress cure prepeg material for aircraft interior components.
RP570 FR REEPREG is made with recycled carbon fibre nonwoven mat and has a complete processing time of five minutes at 160°C.
This material combines REEPREG’s handleability with PRF’s eXpress cure technology and is said to provide a fire retardant carbon prepreg material that reduces landfill waste, improves circularity, and is suited to high volume manufacturing.
