Easily Into the Future
Interview with Hinrich Hampe, Head of Governmental Affairs at Teijin Carbon Europe GmbH
Carbon fibers have many advantages. One is their low weight. A lot of know-how is invested in the development of this high-tech material. This know-how is only available in Germany at Teijin Carbon Europe GmbH, located in Wuppertal and Heinsberg. It is one of the most important players in the development and manufacturing of carbon fibers in Europe. The company supplies a variety of industries from aerospace to sports equipment industry with customized solutions.
The roots of the company go back to the 1980s. At that time, it produced synthetic fibers like artificial silk for clothing in Heinsberg. Today, both locations are part of the over 100-year-old Japanese Teijin Group, which has utilized the existing knowledge to produce carbon fibers here. In Heinsberg, the plant has a capacity of 5,000 tons of carbon fibers annually. This high-tech material is used for airplanes, sports equipment, or industrial applications. In civilian aviation, Teijin Carbon is an integral part of the supply chain, reports Hinrich Hampe, Head of Governmental Affairs. He emphasizes: 'In 35 years, we have not had a single quality incident that was due to our materials.' Teijin Carbon is the only manufacturer that produces carbon fibers in Germany.
Solutions for a Wide Range of Applications
A key feature of carbon fibers is the combination of properties of lightweight and strength. "We differentiate depending on the number of filaments in the yarn - from 1,000 to 50,000 individual fibers," explains Hinrich Hampe. This variety allows for the design of carbon fibers to be thinner, thicker, or more flexible depending on the application. While maximum strength with minimal weight is crucial in aviation, comfort, damping, or visual aspects might also be important in bicycle manufacturing depending on the model. "Carbon is not just carbon. We develop solutions that precisely fit the respective requirements," says the executive.
Sustainability is increasingly playing a central role. At the JEC fair in Paris, the company presented the first CO2-reduced carbon fiber. "The road to a fully sustainable fiber is long, but we have embarked on it," explains Hinrich Hampe.
The production is energy-intensive, but efforts are being made to use alternative energy sources and to establish recycling processes. Teijin Carbon not only develops yarn but also prepregs, which are pre-impregnated materials. In the sports industry, specifically for bicycle frames and rims, Teijin Carbon seeks direct contact with European brands, such as through participation in the Eurobike fair. Technically, it involves not just lightweight construction but also targeted material properties.
"A downhill bike needs different properties than a racing bike or a city bike," the executive emphasizes. The market for carbon fibers is growing, particularly in the aviation and defense sectors. At the same time, the requirements for recyclability and CO2 balance are increasing. For Teijin Carbon, this means: "We accompany our customers technically and ecologically on the path to the next generation."