Search Results

Acoustical and Thermal treatments for automotive applications are constructed using a number of different materials and composites. These range from the simple needled felt absorber, to the sophisticated multi layer composites to provide noise and thermal Improvements. Since, in most cases a finish fabric or treatment typically covers these materials, the actual color of these substrates has not really been a key design criteria. This has allowed the Acoustics Integrators, when the function of the part is not compromised, to utilize recycled, and byproduct materials. These materials often provide superior performance, lighter weight, and reduced cost from the use of virgin materials. This model of Source Reduction for Acoustical and Thermal Product Design supports the environmentally sustainable Eco system. The End of Life directive may open up more recycled material streams by providing the necessary infrastructure to recover and process the automotive materials.

Recycling of resinated and non-resinated reclaimed fiber pad, used in automotive applications as sound absorbers and insulators for headliners, package trays, floor insulators etc., has been ongoing for over thirty years. The feedstock for the fiber is a source reduction of textile industry waste, as compared to alternate first use material products. The fibers are actually reclaimed from apparel trim scrap (approx. 700MM pounds of apparel scrap produced annually). The acoustical trim product uses 60 to 100% of the available reclaim apparel scrap - material originally intended for basic necessities such as clothing, and in the case of resinated pad, blends this fibrous material with a binder resin (this only is a first use material.) During pad production, “pre-use” processing and trim scrap are reclaimed and re-introduced into production, up to 70% loading for resinated pad and up to 100% loading for non-resinated fiber pad.