U.S.-based manufacturer Cascade Engineering has partnered with Israeli-clean-tech startup, UBQ Materials, to create automotive parts made by converting unsorted trash — everything from banana peels to diapers — into mixed plastics and paper.
One of the first to trial UBQ as a substitute to traditional oil-based resins, the two companies partnered in an R&D relationship in mid-2018. Among the many developments, Cascade has
engaged sister company, Noble Polymers, to compound UBQ inside their formulations. Today, the duo is in advanced stages of road-testing auto parts made with the material. Once finalized, multiple OEMs will have the opportunity to incorporate the novel, sustainable parts in their series production. The first Cascade product to be commercially produced with UBQ is set to be ready for market as early as Q1 2021.
This new technology breaks down unsorted household waste into its most basic naturalcomponents — lignin, cellulose, sugar and fiber — to create a new composite material through an energy-efficient process that does not use water or emit harmful fumes. This versatile material can be used in the manufacturing of thousands of products, including pipes, bricks, floors, roofing, shipping pallets, bins, crates, automobile parts and for 3D printing.
By diverting landfill-destined waste, UBQ prevents the emission of methane, ground water leakage and other environmental harms. Every ton of UBQ produced prevents 11.7 tons of CO2-eq, making it a powerful sustainability additive to reduce the carbon footprint of final products manufactured.
“The extensive certification process of B Corporations provides critical third-party validation and a platform for like-minded mission-driven companies to skip over initial stages of skepticism and create space for early adoption of novel sustainable technologies,” said Christina Keller, President and CEO, Cascade Engineering.
Earlier this year, global retail solutions provider Mainetti announced its partnership with UBQ Material. to introduce the new standard for product innovation and sustainability in the fashion industry for hangers. In November 2019, UBQ Materials partnered with Arcos Dorados, the world’s largest franchisee of McDonald’s, to produce climate-positive items for McDonald’s restaurants throughout Latin America. And in early 2020, the company announced its collaboration with Daimler, manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz, for the implementation of UBQ in car parts.
Cascade Engineering
cascadeng.com
UBQ Materials
ubqmaterials.com
Filed Under: Green engineering • renewable energy • sustainability
