D&L Industries venturing into plant fiber-plastics tech

Food ingredients and industrial chemicals giant D&L Industries Inc. is venturing into plant fiber-plastics technology this year.

In a news release, D&L Industries said its subsidiary D&L Polymer & Colours Inc. (DLPC) has dedicated its research and development to developing plant fiber-plastics.

“The Philippines has an endless supply of natural fibers that are mostly deemed as waste,” said DLPC president and CEO Lester Lao.

“About 25 years ago, even before the term ESG (environmental, social, and governance) or sustainability became mainstream, we had already started exploring the potential of abaca fiber as an environmentally friendly alternative to plastics.''

Photo: D&L Industries

He said that advancements in technology have finally enabled DLPC to process abaca and other local fibers such as pineapple, spider-lily (bakong), and vetiver in making composites that can replace up to 40% of plastics in products.

He added that fibers have diverse applications, such as in construction and automotive industries.

“What we have developed is a new material that is arguably breaking the boundaries of polymer science. With its unique characteristics and sustainable aspects, we are convinced that it has the potential to revolutionize the plastics industry,” Lao said.

“With the majority of the people in the industry not yet familiar with the technology and its potential applications, we believe that we are exploring uncharted territory with endless opportunities for innovators and pioneers like us. At this point, we believe that we are merely scratching the surface for a multitude of industries,” he said. — VBL, GMA Integrated News