Exploring circular possibilities for using End-of-Use Dyneema® from the commercial marine market

Abstract

Dyneema® fiber is a high-performance fiber that is sold by DSM Dyneema BV to product producers all around the world. Dyneema® fiber is marketed as the world strongest synthetic fiber, its high strength for its weight provides value over competing materials. Dyneema® fiber products include ropes and netting for commercial marine and armor plates for life protection. DSM is moving towards a sustainable and circular corporate strategy. This graduation assignment is to investigate possibilities for DSM Dyneema BV to make the transition towards the circular economy with Dyneema® fiber.
Theory of the circular economy was used to create a framework for the circular possibilities. The Dyneema® fiber itself was analyzed. Where is was discovered that circularity is complex due to the significant value loss during conventional recycling processes. Reuse and remanufacturing of End-of-Use Dyneema® was chosen as the most interesting circular direction for Dyneema® fiber for the extension of lifetime of the fiber.
It was chosen to analyze the Dyneema® Commercial marine market as the source of End-of-Use material. This market was chosen because of market size and type of products. Stakeholders and the business models of DSM Dyneema BV and a Dyneema® customer were analyzed. From these analyses it was learned that the possible circular value chains depend on the specific market or application where the End-of-Use Dyneema® will be used in. From an analysis on the competitors of Dyneema® fiber it was learned that other high-performance fibers are being recycled, although not with high quality. The competitors still face the same challenges as DSM Dyneema BV.
The End-of-Use material from the commercial marine market was analyzed by experiments. Two End-of-Use ropes were taken apart to see what value was left in the material and with prototyping possible ways of value recovery were explored.
A list of criteria for finding an application for a design case was set up. The list of criteria was to find, evaluate and choose an application to analyze further in the form of a design case. Seaweed farming was chosen as the application to investigate further.
Seaweed farming is an upcoming technology that could provide society with healthy food and energy and play a role in the conservation of the environment. Seaweed is grown on lines that lie underwater in the sea. Possibilities of using End-of-Use Dyneema® were analyzed in the design case and it was found that, the design of the farm should be adapted to the material to make optimal use of the End-of-Use material. A re-design was made that showed that End-of-Use Dyneema® is an interesting opportunity. The use of End-of-Use Dyneema® in seaweed farming comes with both opportunities and barriers that need further investigation. Because of the environmental and circular benefit of the seaweed farming market. Further investigation in the use of End-of-Use Dyneema® in seaweed farming is recommended.
From the design case it was learned that there are feasible opportunities for reusing End-of-Use Dyneema® to extend the lifetime of the fiber. Further research will be required to look for possible ways to produce the ropes with the intention to reuse them after the first product life cycle.