Rampf Giessharze (Grafenberg / Germany; www.rampf-gruppe.de) has said it aims to manufacture most of its materials from renewable sources by 2013. The company, which specialises in polyurethanes and epoxy resin systems, as well as silicone and produces foam gaskets, electro casting resins, adhesives and casting systems, intends to double its sales of bio polyol-based products by 2012. Working with sister company Rampf Ecosystems (Pirmasens / Germany; www.rampf-gruppe.de) the company has developed two special casting compounds made of rapeseed oil, whose uses include the charging plugs of electric vehicles.

Rampf Ecosystems works exclusively in the recycling of PU and research into renewable raw materials such as rapeseed oil, lactose, grease and glycerine using chemical processes such as glycolysis, acidolysis and polyolysis. It has developed a thermal glycolysis plant for the recycling process that is claimed to be among the largest of its type in Europe. An additional plant is due to be commissioned in the spring of 2011 at its Pirmasens facility, doubling the company’s recycling capacity to around 5,000 t/y.

“Compared to a petrochemical-based polyurethane, the emission of greenhouse gases can be reduced by 30%. There is also scope for improved functionality,” said Michael Kugler, operations manager at Rampf Ecosystems. “Sugar derivatives, for instance, demonstrate high functionality levels which result in improved cross-linking in the subsequently produced polyurethane, and in better mechanical foam characteristics when producing hard foams. Plant oil-based polyols, or rather the relevant fatty acids, have a pronounced hydrophobic character, making them a popular option in hydrolysis-stable polyurethanes.”

Both companies are part of the Grafenberg-based Rampf Group, which has a workforce of around 410 and a forecast turnover of EUR 85m for the 2010/2011 financial year.