Highlights

• Industry experts gathered for the Vyncolit NV and Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. "Lightweight Composite Solutions Conference" in Gent last month.
• Attendees from the automotive industry's best and brightest discussed the pressing need for lightweight parts in both internal combustion and electric motor-based drivetrains, and detailed how composites will be key to making this happen.
• The switch to Vyncolit NV and Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. plastics and materials in parts such as fuel pumps, electric motor housing and brake system parts is proven to dramatically slash weights and reduce costs.

In close collaboration with Fraunhofer ICT, SBHPP-Vyncolit NV in Gent (Belgium) has developed a cylinder block made in glass-fiber-reinforced phenolic composite molded by injection.

Compared to the aluminum version, this innovation could save up to 20 percent in weight without added cost and is suitable for mass production.

Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. and the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT will collaborate in the development of composite materials for innovative functional and structural engine parts.

Over the coming years, the two partners will work together to make drive trains lighter, better and more compact, and of course to integrate Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. materials into a variety of new applications.

On April 22nd and 23th, 2015 SBHPP will participate in the biennial International Thermoset Conference in Iserlohn, Germany.
This year, the conference aimed at stimulating the unique benefits of thermoset materials particularly as potential replacement for metals and thermoplastics, and to provide practical examples of successfully realized projects.

During the period of time from 1st February 2014 to 31st July 2015 Sumitomo Bakelite Europe (Barcelona) SLU (SBEB) has been working on the project called “Development of a Phenol recovery system for processing water”, which has been financed by the European Economic Area (EEA) for the programming period 2009-2014 in order to create programs for reducing the economic and social disparities in the EEA and strengthening bilateral relations between the donor countries (ICELAND,LIECHENSTEIN Y NORWAY) and beneficiaries countries (certain EU countries, among which is Spain included).

The goal of the help is focused on research, development and innovation with priority on climate change and renewable energy sectors.

A severe fire happened on Saturday February 14th 2015 in an European resin plant of SBHPP. Some part of the production of Sumitomo Bakelite Europe NV (SBE), located in Genk-Belgium, will be out of service for several weeks.The main equipment isn't damaged but overhead systems are damaged. One week after the fire an important production line was already restarted. On March 9th more installations will be restarted. For some products, mostly intercompany sales, the production is temporary ensured by SBEB, another resin plant of SBHPP, located in Barcelona-Spain..