Geosynthetic manufacturer and supplier Fibertex specialists work closely with automotive manufacturers to design solutions for vehicles, using lightweight materials for high performance, enhanced comfort inside the cabin, extended service life and optimum safety on the road.

“It is critical in automotive design and manufacture that the correct materials are used to meet stringent quality, acoustic, safety and environmental requirements – as specified in the industry. The automotive industry is constantly changing and progressing, and we use our expertise to help our customers add value to their design and manufacturing solutions,” explains Fibertex South Africa key account manager Rosa Naidoo.

She states that Fibertex nonwoven materials are used in automotive manufacturing to reduce the weight of a vehicle for improved fuel economy, enhanced comfort and general thermal and acoustic insulation, with flame retardancy. “Most importantly, our materials are designed to improve comfort for the driver and passengers, through advanced acoustics and highly efficient filter media.”

Fibertex nonwovens are designed for use in many automotive applications, including the engine bay, interiors, wheels and underbody, as well as the luggage compartment. Materials for the engine bay are suitable for engine compartment and dashboard insulation and tunnel absorbers. Fibertex materials are used in automotive interiors for headliners, seats, carpet backings and door panels.

These durable materials are also used for wheel housings and liners, the underbody cover, secondary carpet backings and cable wraps. Luggage compartment applications include the parcel tray liners, trunk liners, as well as seat cover backings and carpet backings.

Fibertex continuously invests in technological advancements to meet requirements in the automotive sector globally and has developed a range of environment-friendly sound absorption materials, with excellent acoustic properties.

Sound absorbing materials are essential in automotive design and manufacture, to obtain maximum comfort for the driver and passengers. Lightweight materials are used in vehicle roofs to reduce high-frequency noise during travel.

Heavyweight, needled polyethylene terephthalate fabric is used in moulded wheel arches to reduce tyre noise and facing fabrics for bonnet insulation, significantly reducing engine noise. Composite nonwovens are designed for use in carpet moulding to minimise noise generated from beneath the vehicle.

Global support from the holding company in Denmark guarantees the edge on product design, impeccable manufacturing standards, cost efficiency, safety and reliability of every Fibertex material. Apart from the automotive sector, key areas of business are acoustics, bedding, building, composites, concrete, filtration, flooring, furniture, geotextiles, medical and wipes.

The local team offers a technical support service to its diverse customer-base throughout Africa, to ensure correct specification of durable and safe materials for high efficiency in every application.