Clayens

Le 2 Mars 2020 : SINTEX NP devient CLAYENS NP

lucile — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 08:49:28 +0000

The 2snd March 2020 : SINTEX NP becomes CLAYENS NP

lucile Wed 26/02/2020 - 09:53

With 90 years of history, we grew from assembly of small electrical equipment to become the European leader in the transformation of high performance polymers and the production of metal-plastic components; NIEF, NIEF PLASTIC, SINTEX NP, and today CLAYENS NP...

A new page is turned but the philosophy and basics remain.

Only a few months after changing shareholders with the arrival of a pool of investors led by SIPAREX, the group changed its name to CLAYENS NP.

"CLAYENS of course refers to clay: an ancestral material used in many trades, with properties similar to those of plastics," says Eric Pisani, C.E.O. of CLAYENS NP.

This name change also coincides with a change in the international development strategy. Firmly established in Europe and North Africa, CLAYENS NP has just set up in Mexico and the group wishes to make North America a growth driver for the years to come.

About CLAYENS NP :

Founded in 1931, CLAYENS NP specialises in the transformation of high-performance polymers, composites and precision metal parts.

From the project phase to production, CLAYENS NP knows how to provide a solution adapted to each of its customers, with an R&D approach for some of them. Recognised know-how quality led to a diversified customer portfolio, including many key accounts in all activity sectors such as automotive, aeronautics, electricity, health, etc.

CLAYENS NP has 2,700 employees at 18 sites in France, Germany, Eastern Europe, North Africa and Mexico.

Press Release

CLAYENS Healthcare renforce son expertise en propreté particulaire avec un laboratoire dédié

justine.guillot — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:17:28 +0000

CLAYENS Healthcare strengthens its expertise in particle cleanliness with a dedicated laboratory

justine.guillot Tue 29/04/2025 - 09:21

In response to evolving regulatory requirements and increasingly demanding customer specifications, CLAYENS Healthcare has established a particulate analysis laboratory at its Izernore site (France). This new facility enables direct control of particulate contamination on medical devices, complementing cleanroom environment monitoring during production.

While initial industry requirements primarily focused on compliance with air cleanliness standards (ISO 14644 – ISO 7, ISO 8, etc.), recent specifications now include strict limits on the level of particles found on product surfaces, particularly in accordance with the IEST-STD-CC1246E standard.

To meet these new demands, the Izernore laboratory relies on multiple technologies, covering the full spectrum of needs—from development to mass production. This investment in diversified equipment provides analytical flexibility and precision that few players in the industry can match:

Membrane extraction and automated microscopy: Particles are extracted from parts by rinsing them with a water + solvent mix under a microbiological safety cabinet (MSC). The liquid is filtered through a membrane with pores smaller than 1 µm. This membrane is then analyzed using an automated microscope that counts and characterizes particles by morphology—fibers, metals, and inert particles. This method is primarily used during development phases and process validation.
Liquid-phase extraction with laser detection: Parts are rinsed using the same water + solvent mixture under MSC, and the resulting liquid is directly analyzed by a liquid-phase particle counter with laser detection. This technology identifies and classifies particles between 5 µm and 250 µm. It is particularly well-suited for routine in-line monitoring during production, offering fast, reproducible, and cost-effective control.

Initial findings show that a clean environment alone is not enough to ensure particulate control on parts. The level of contamination is heavily influenced by each step of the manufacturing process: injection, assembly, packaging, and transport. Specific control must therefore be applied to each stage of the production flow.

CLAYENS Healthcare has developed a systematic approach to analyzing customer requirements for particulate cleanliness, defining acceptable levels, and implementing targeted monitoring of contamination throughout product development and manufacturing.

"Thanks to this laboratory, we are able to control particulate cleanliness right at the end of the production line," explains Lucie Vion-Loisel, Head of the Healthcare Laboratory at CLAYENS Healthcare. "It reinforces both the quality and compliance of our devices, while offering reactivity to our project and production teams."

This initiative is part of CLAYENS Healthcare’s broader commitment to quality risk management and provides a concrete response to the evolving expectations of the medical device market.

To learn more about our analysis capabilities and to discuss your specific requirements, our teams are here to support you.

About CLAYENS:

CLAYENS Healthcare, representing the healthcare activity of the CLAYENS Group, supports industrial health players (medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics) in the development, industrialization, and manufacturing of custom medical devices and plastic components in compliance with international regulatory standards.

CLAYENS Healthcare offers a complete service, from R&D to production, including industrialization, qualification, validation, and regulatory support.

Present in 9 countries, the CLAYENS Group has nearly 5,000 employees and 32 manufacturing sites. The Group's 8 cleanrooms are located in France (ISO7), the USA (ISO8), and Mexico (ISO7)

More information : https://www.clayens.com/healthcare.

------

+1 (347) 526-3019

brian.flynn@clayens.com

CLAYENS OFFICIALISE SA MARQUE COMMERCIALE CLAYENS AEROSPACE LORS DU SALON DU BOURGET 2025

clemence — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 08:47:17 +0000

CLAYENS MAKES ITS TRADEMARK “CLAYENS AEROSPACE” OFFICIAL AT THE 2025 LE BOURGET SHOW

clemence Fri 25/04/2025 - 11:09

CLAYENS confirms its participation in the Paris Air Show 2025 and announces the launch of its CLAYENS Aerospace brand and a strategic acquisition in the USA.

Genas, 04/22/2025 - CLAYENS, a major player in the aerospace and defense sector, is proud to announce its participation in the Salon International de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace du Bourget 2025, to be held from June 16 to 19, 2025 for professionals at the Parc des Expositions de Paris Le Bourget. This major event will be an opportunity for CLAYENS to showcase its latest innovations and solutions, while highlighting its recent acquisitions, its new CLAYENS Aerospace brand and its strategic vision for the future.

Launch of CLAYENS Aerospace: at the heart of aeronautical innovation

As part of its development and positioning as a strategic market player, CLAYENS announces the launch of its new commercial brand, CLAYENS Aerospace. This initiative marks a turning point in our company's identification in this market.

CLAYENS Aerospace reflects our desire to be recognized as a key player in the sector, by offering innovative solutions that meet the growing needs of the industry and our customers.

A strategic vision reinforced by our acquisitions

CLAYENS' strategy has always been to support its customers as closely as possible to their needs, while guaranteeing optimum responsiveness and a detailed understanding of local requirements. Our strategic locations in Europe, North Africa, the United States and Mexico enable us to respond effectively to the specific demands of the aerospace market.

In January 2025, CLAYENS strengthened its expertise and expanded its international network with the acquisition of Alltech Integrated Manufacturing, a US company specialized in the manufacture of precision injection-molded components for the aerospace industry. This acquisition, combined with the integration of Saimap Viennot in 2024, marks a turning point in our strategy of growth and innovation.

Discover our innovations at the Paris Air Show

The Paris Air Show is a key event for CLAYENS and its subsidiary Saimap Viennot, which will also be present on a dedicated stand. Together, we will be showcasing our synergies and collective expertise to meet the challenges of the aeronautical sector.

Eric PISANI, Group CEO, declares:

“We are delighted to be presenting our expertise to the aerospace industry at the Paris Air Show. The launch of CLAYENS Aerospace and our recent acquisitions, such as Alltech and Saimap Viennot, strengthen our position and enable us to extend our expertise with a resolutely innovation-oriented approach.”

About CLAYENS

Based in Genas (Rhône), the CLAYENS group is a leader in polymer and composite processing. CLAYENS works with customers all over the world to provide them with the customized products and services they need for a wide range of industries: aeronautics, automotive, healthcare, electrical infrastructure, industry & equipment. The CLAYENS group employs +5000 people in +30 plants in Europe, North Africa, the United States and Mexico, with sales of around €650 million.

About Saimap Viennot

Saimap Viennot, a company recently acquired by CLAYENS, is a key player in the manufacturing of technical parts and assemblies made from high-performance polymer materials through machining, injection, and compression. The company primarily serves the aerospace, defense, and energy industries.

Practical information

Dates: June 16-19, 2025
Location: Paris Le Bourget Exhibition Center, Paris-le Bourget Airport – 93350 Le Bourget, France
Stand CLAYENS : HALL 2B - Stand G107
Stand Saimap Viennot : HALL 4 - Stand D80

Press Contact : Clémence SIMON – clemence.simon@clayens.com

CLAYENS External Release

CLAYENS REMPORTE LE PRIX DE L’INNOVATION FOURNISSEUR DE SAFRAN

justine.guillot — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:15:30 +0000

CLAYENS WINS SAFRAN SUPPLIER INNOVATION AWARD

justine.guillot Fri 04/04/2025 - 11:21

Genas, April 2, 2025

I am delighted to announce that CLAYENS has won the Supplier Innovation Award presented by our client SAFRAN. This prestigious recognition was received at the ceremony held on Thursday,

March 27, 2025, during their 2025 Supplier Day.

This distinction recognizes a project that illustrates both our capacity for innovation and our commitment to providing solutions that meet our clients' expectations. We were selected from a dozen suppliers, which is a testament to the quality of our work and the impact of this innovation in our sector.

This recognition is an important milestone for us, but it's just the beginning. Let's continue to innovate, push boundaries, and make every project a success!

Thank you to the entire project team for their valuable contribution, expertise and passion, which made this project a reality.

Sincerely,

External communication.pdf

Photo credit: Christel Sasso / Safran

Exploration des technologies d'impression 3D au travers d'un démonstrateur Aéronautique

justine.guillot — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 08:40:55 +0000

Exploration of 3D printing technologies through an Aeronautical demonstrator

justine.guillot Wed 26/02/2025 - 12:28

In an ever-evolving industrial context, 3D printing is emerging as an essential technology for the design and validation of complex concepts. To demonstrate the versatility and complementarity of different 3D printing technologies, we produced a demonstrator representing a scaled-down Airbus A320 engine. This project highlights the use of several 3D printing techniques and a variety of materials, illustrating their potential and specificities.

3D printing technologies used:

For this demonstrator, we used three distinct 3D printing technologies:

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): Ideal for manufacturing functional and robust parts, this technology relies on the extrusion of melted filament. It is also distinguished by its affordable cost, making it an economical solution for prototyping and small series production. We used PLA in a variety of colors (black, gray, orange, blue, red, and white) to provide visual contrasts and differentiate the engine components.

Raise 3D E2 and BambuLab X1E

Parts made with FDM

PolyJet: Allowing high-precision printing with fine details, PolyJet uses UV-cured photopolymers. For our demonstrator, we opted for VeroBlack material, ensuring excellent part definition and high-quality aesthetic rendering.

Polyjet Parts made with polyjet

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): Suitable for resistant technical parts, this technology works by laser sintering of polymer powder. We used PA12 filled with glass beads (white), giving the parts good rigidity and excellent mechanical strength.

EOS P396 Part made with SLS

A demonstrator illustrating the complementarity of technologies:

This scaled-down A320 engine allows us to understand and show the advantages and limitations of each technology in a concrete situation. FDM technology was used for the manufacture of large and visible components, offering a quick and economical solution. PolyJet technology was used for parts requiring a high level of detail, while SLS technology allowed the creation of technical elements requiring increased mechanical strength.

The assembly of the different printed parts highlighted the constraints and advantages of each technology. Additionally, the integration of inserts such as bearings demonstrated the possibility of combining 3D printing with standardized mechanical components for advanced functional applications.

Conclusion

This project illustrates the richness and diversity of 3D printing technologies available within the CLAYENS group. By combining these approaches, this functional and educational demonstrator showcases the capabilities of each process and the possible synergies in an industrial context. 3D printing continues to expand the horizons of design and prototyping, paving the way for new possibilities for innovation in aeronautics and beyond.

And concretely how does this translate at CLAYENS?

The use of these different technologies is now commonplace, to improve the precision of means, remove uncertainties, accelerate deployment, and optimize our competitiveness. A recent concrete case carried out for internal needs also illustrates the positioning of each technology well (see below) and reminds us that additive manufacturing is a broad panel where each technology has its place, provided it is used wisely.

Technology	Cost (€) *	Possible Optimization	Advantages	Disadvantages
Machining	1660	N/A	N/A	N/A
FDM	486	Possible design optimization	Rapid manufacturing, several colors and materials possible	Surface finish to be reworked in machining
SLS	1371	Possible optimization by printing all parts at once (550€)	Surface finish, strength, possible rework in machining	High unit cost, white color, only one material possible
3D Polyjet	2182	N/A	Surface finish, strength, possible rework in machining	High unit cost, high machine cost

*Each situation being unique, this comparison cannot be generalized.

Do not hesitate to contact us for more information!

fa3d.clayens@clayens.com

Une journée d'innovation technique autour des busbars entre Syensqo et CLAYENS

justine.guillot — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:00:04 +0000

A Day of Technical Innovation on Busbars with Syensqo and CLAYENS

justine.guillot Wed 22/01/2025 - 15:52

On November 6, the Syensqo and CLAYENS teams met at the CLAYENS Doubs (ex NP SIMONIN) site for a day of technical reflection focused on busbar manufacturing.

A partnership to anticipate tomorrow’s technical challenges

With the rise of electric vehicles and modern industrial infrastructures, the high-voltage busbar market is experiencing rapid growth. This meeting aimed to strengthen the partnership between Syensqo and CLAYENS by exploring market trends and examining the technical implications of the advanced materials provided by Syensqo.

What is a busbar?

A busbar is an electrical component designed to carry large amounts of current. Typically made of copper or aluminum, it serves as a central distribution point in electrical systems such as control panels, transformers, or industrial installations.

Overmolded busbars, on the other hand, are encapsulated in an insulating material (resin or thermoformed plastic), which enhances their safety, compactness, and robustness.

CLAYENS: unique expertise in metal-plastic engineering

With its expertise in combining metal and plastic solutions, CLAYENS aims to position itself in this rapidly expanding market. Currently, some technical limitations, such as metal cutting thickness, need to be overcome. However, the company is actively exploring innovative solutions to meet the sector’s needs.

During this day, CLAYENS brought together its experts, procurement and engineering management – Alexandra Teleki, Jérémy Guivarc’h, Olivier Tourneret, Mario Da Mota Pais, Jérôme Bellaton, and Laurent Maire – to collaborate with Syensqo’s teams on addressing high-voltage busbar challenges.

Syensqo: advanced materials driving performance

As a strategic partner of CLAYENS, Syensqo provides materials specifically designed for overmolded busbars. These materials meet stringent requirements for thermal resistance, dimensional stability, and corrosion protection. They play a vital role in enhancing the compactness and durability of busbars, particularly in high-voltage applications such as electric vehicles.

A promising future for innovation

This collaboration between Syensqo and CLAYENS reflects a shared commitment to innovation and the development of technological solutions tailored to a rapidly evolving market. Thanks to this synergy, CLAYENS is preparing to tackle tomorrow’s challenges in high-performance electrical systems.

CLAYENS Saimap Viennot : l'excellence au service des plastiques hautes performances

justine.guillot — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 09:04:44 +0000

CLAYENS Saimap Viennot: excellence in high-performance plastics

justine.guillot Tue 21/01/2025 - 10:33

For over 60 years, Saimap Viennot has been a benchmark in expertise for transforming high-performance plastics. Integrated into the CLAYENS group in 2024, the company meets the challenges of the most demanding industries, and particularly Aerospace.

Saimap Viennot: over 60 years of solid expertise

A story of mergers and growth

Founded in the 1950s, the companies SAIMAP and VIENNOT quickly earned a prominent position in the transformation of fluoropolymer materials. Their merger in 1991 gave birth to Saimap Viennot, consolidating their expertise at the production site in Saint-Lubin-des-Joncherets (Eure-et-Loir). The acquisition of ACEREF in 2011 further strengthened the company’s position in the transformation of thermoplastics, particularly fluoropolymers.

Today, with a 3,000 m² production parc machines and the commitment of around 40 employees, Saimap Viennot achieved a turnover of nearly €12.6 million in 2024, 65% of which comes from the aerospace and space sectors.

CLAYENS Saimap Viennot: a strategic asset for the group

Expanding offerings and complementary expertise

The integration of Saimap Viennot into the CLAYENS group in 2024 represents a pivotal step in the group’s development, offering significant strategic opportunities:

Expanding offerings: Saimap Viennot brings complementary expertise to CLAYENS in high-performance plastic transformation, including fluoropolymers.
Strengthening its presence in Aerospace & Defense: A key player with 65% of its turnover generated in this sector.
Increased production capacity: With 3,000 m² of workshop space and the skills of its workforce, Saimap-Viennot can take on new projects.

CLAYENS Saimap Viennot: tailor-made solutions for demanding applications

Technologies for high-performance plastic transformation

This strategic synergy provides CLAYENS with significant expertise in high-performance plastic transformation.
Clayens Saimap Viennot masters a wide range of technologies, including:

Compression and injection molding
Machining
Assembly

Diverse materials and products

This technological versatility allows them to offer solutions tailored to the most complex needs, with specialized expertise in thermoplastics (fluoropolymers, technical and high-performance plastics), thermosets (epoxy, phenolic, and polyimide resins), and composites (glass or carbon fabrics impregnated with thermoplastics).

With a diversified product range – semi-finished products (bars, hollow blanks, plates), bare or equipped components, self-lubricating parts, and subassemblies – CLAYENS Saimap Viennot meets the specific needs of Aerospace, Defense, and industrial sectors.

A future driven by excellence

The integration of Saimap Viennot enables CLAYENS to strengthen its position in high-performance technical plastics. Together, they support industries in their challenges by providing tailor-made solutions that meet the most demanding requirements.

Learn more about CLAYENS Saimap Viennot: HERE

------

Looking for tailor-made solutions in high-performance plastics for your most demanding projects?
Feel free to contact us to discuss your needs and find the most suitable solution.

FONCTIONNALISATION DE SURFACE : CLAYENS REINVENTE LES PLASTIQUES ANTIBACTERIENS SANS PRODUITS CHIMIQUES

justine.guillot — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 07:57:44 +0000

TOWARD A SAFER FUTURE: CHEMICAL-FREE ANTIBACTERIAL PLASTICS

justine.guillot Tue 21/01/2025 - 09:13

CLAYENS Healthcare, a leading innovator in plastic solutions for the healthcare industry, has achieved a significant breakthrough with its cutting-edge surface functionalization technology.

This method gives antibacterial properties to plastic surfaces without the use of chemicals, by replicating micro and nano patterns from the cavities during injection molding. This advancement holds promising applications not only in the medical field but also in the food industry and other industrial sectors.

Initially developed and validated for hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and anti-friction purposes, this technology has now demonstrated its effectiveness in limiting biofilm growth and reducing bacterial adhesion (bacteriostatic effect), while targeting bacterial elimination (bactericidal effect). By eliminating the need for chemical coatings or additives, it integrates seamlessly into existing healthcare applications, potentially avoiding the need for changes to materials or validation processes, including biocompatibility testing.

“This technology presents unique opportunities to enhance the safety and performance of plastic devices across various environments,” says Matthieu Besse, R&D Health Manager at CLAYENS. “It allows continuous improvement of medical devices or pharmaceutical packaging without significantly altering regulatory files.”

Research has underscored the critical role of the texture/material/bacteria combination in achieving optimal antibacterial performance. Tests conducted internally at CLAYENS and in collaboration with clients have revealed that the efficacy of micro and nano textures is highly material-dependent. For example, textures effective for polyethylene (PE) differ from those optimal for polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), or other injectable materials such as crystal PS and PEEK. This highlights the importance of tailoring solutions for each polymer to achieve the best possible results.

CLAYENS Healthcare has developed an innovative experimental approach, as modeling the behavior of the texture/material/bacteria combination remains complex. During tests conducted in compliance with ISO 22196:2011 standards, specimens of various materials were exposed to representative bacteria: Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (golden staph). The results confirmed that efficacy depends significantly on the interactions between texture and material.

For instance, with the polypropylene/Escherichia coli combination, a specific texture achieved a logarithmic reduction (Rlog) exceeding 2, corresponding to a reduction of over 99% in bacterial count compared to a non-textured surface. Similarly, a tailored texture applied to the polypropylene/Staphylococcus aureus pair achieved an Rlog above 2, demonstrating a comparable 99% reduction in bacterial count. Promising ongoing trials aim to further enhance these results by not only limiting biofilm development but also advancing bacterial destruction.

Conversely, the same texture applied to other materials did not yield comparable results. These findings underscore the necessity for precise optimization of each polymer to maximize bacteriostatic effects and, ultimately, bactericidal performance.

“Our teams continue to explore innovative solutions to address the specific challenges of our clients,” adds Pauline Spard, R&D Engineer. “We managed to achieve advanced bacteriostatic properties by limiting biofilm formation and development, and are now working on bactericidal surfaces.”

About CLAYENS:

CLAYENS Healthcare, representing the healthcare activity of the CLAYENS Group, supports industrial health players (medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics) in the development, industrialization, and manufacturing of custom medical devices and plastic components in compliance with international regulatory standards.

CLAYENS Healthcare offers a complete service, from R&D to production, including industrialization, qualification, validation, and regulatory support.

Present in 9 countries, the CLAYENS Group has nearly 5,000 employees and 32 manufacturing sites. The Group's 8 cleanrooms are located in France (ISO7), the USA (ISO8), and Mexico (ISO7).

More information : https://www.clayens.com/healthcare.

------

Contactez-nous

+1 (347) 526-3019

brian.flynn@clayens.com

Une stratégie énergétique durable : les actions concrètes au sein de Clayens.

justine.guillot — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:51:35 +0000

A sustainable energy strategy: concrete actions at Clayens

justine.guillot Wed 18/12/2024 - 09:45

Implementing green energy actions has become a priority for many companies and governments as part of the ecological transition. Decarbonizing the energy system is crucial to meeting the climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.

At Clayens, we have chosen to take concrete action to reduce our energy impact. Clayens is committed to lowering its carbon footprint in line with the 1.5°C trajectory validated by the SBTi. Thanks to the dedication of our teams, we have already reduced our emissions by 27% since 2019. This achievement is the result of various initiatives across our sites and a reduction in our energy consumption.

A Sustainable energy transition led by Clayens teams

From commitment to action: Clayens focuses on green energy contracts

Sustainable energy: a pillar of Clayens’ energy strategy

Green energy is clean, renewable energy that comes from sustainable sources and emits little to no greenhouse gases.
Some of Clayens' sites are located in countries with highly carbon-intensive energy mixes, so carbon-reduction solutions were considered. Clayens chose to start its reduction trajectory by signing green electricity contracts for its two Polish sites.

Energy transition: green electricity contracts for our polish plants

In 2023, around 88% of Polish electricity is produced using fossil fuels. In comparison, this results in 19 times more CO2 emissions than France.

The Polish site NP Piascezno was the first in the Group to sign a green electricity contract in 2021. To optimize efforts, the contract was renewed in 2022 to include Clayens NP Polska, creating a cohesive energy management approach for both Polish sites.

At the same time, Clayens continues its energy transition journey.
Certified ISO 14001 since November 2021, Clayens NP Polska follows an environmental approach aligned with Clayens' strategy, allowing for a continuous reduction in energy consumption.

Energy transition: Clayens NP Germany adopts green energy for lowering its carbon footprint

With Germany’s energy mix deteriorating over recent years, transitioning to a green energy contract has become highly beneficial for the Group's carbon footprint. Clayens NP Germany signed its contract in September 2023.
The switch to more sustainable energy allows the site to achieve a 5% reduction in the carbon footprint of the EMEA* Group.

Before securing a green energy contract, Clayens NP Germany had already been reducing energy consumption through best practices in place under the ISO 50001 standard for over 6 years.

Solar power plant at Clayens: an innovative solution for a sustainable energy transition

Solar power plant in Morocco: a step towards sustainability

In March 2022, Clayens NP Morocco installed a photovoltaic solar power plant covering its entire roof. Comprising 560 photovoltaic panels, the plant allows the site to avoid rising energy prices and stabilize the cost of its energy mix while preserving the environment.

The solar plant covers about 9% of the site’s energy consumption and has helped reduce Clayens NP Morocco’s carbon footprint by 9%. The plant also positively impacts the Group’s energy transition, contributing to a 1.4% reduction in the overall Group carbon footprint.

Looking ahead: Clayens continues its sustainable energy transition

In line with the roadmap approved by SBTi, solar power plant projects are being studied for the Clayens NP Hungaria and Clayens NP Tunisia sites, set for 2025-2026.

Additionally, as part of its energy consumption reduction goals, Clayens intends to continue implementing and applying best energy practices across its sites. These practices will begin to roll out at NAM* in 2024, with deeper integration in 2025.
Along with this, the ISO 14001 certification will be expanded to several Group sites, including newly acquired NAM* sites.

For more information, you can view our 2023 CSR report and on our website under the "Our CSR Commitments" section.

*EMEA refers to the States of Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

*NAM refers to North America.

Réduction de l'empreinte écologique grâce à l'innovation en matière de bio composites : l'exemple de l'Eurobalise d'Alstom

justine.guillot — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:06:21 +0000

Reducing environmental footprint through innovation in biocomposites: the case of Alstom's Eurobalise

justine.guillot Fri 15/11/2024 - 11:17

Since 2014, CLAYENS has transformed the production of Eurobalise housing, a critical component for railway signaling systems, by using a bio-based material derived from sugar beet waste produced by IDI.

This change was made without compromising mechanical properties and demonstrates a significant step in our commitment to more sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.

Background and challenges

The Eurobalise housing for Alstom, initially manufactured with petro-based thermoset materials, must meet stringent durability and performance standards. Exposed to challenging environmental conditions (rain, snow, frost, UV), this component needs to withstand substantial mechanical and thermal stress and includes anti-slip patterns and specific finishes.

Innovation and collaboration

In collaboration with Alstom and IDI, CLAYENS introduced a biocomposite to replace traditional thermoset materials while meeting complex specifications:

Weather Resistance: The new material delivers optimal performance even under extreme climatic conditions.
Mechanical Properties: The biocomposite offers comparable strength and durability to traditional thermoset materials.
Customization: The part can be customized with various patterns, colors, shapes, and logos.
Cost Reduction: Leveraging its expertise, CLAYENS optimized the manufacturing process and adjusted tooling, leading to production cost reductions.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Replacing petro-based materials with bio-based resin reduces environmental impact. The resin used here is derived from the sugar beet industry’s waste, ensuring no competition with food resources.

Résults

CLAYENS has been producing between 15,000 and 25,000 Eurobalise cases a year since 2014, and with this biosourced material since 2019. This success highlights CLAYENS's ability to support its clients in transitioning to more sustainable materials while maintaining competitive costs and adhering to stringent technical specifications.

Expertise and process mastery

CLAYENS processes over 3,500 unique references across 40 different chemistries, showcasing our extensive expertise in handling diverse materials. Our mastery of the production process and our capacity for innovation have enabled us to offer customized, effective solutions tailored to our clients' specific needs.

Conclusion

The successful transition to bio-based materials to produce Alstom's Eurobalise housing exemplifies CLAYENS's commitment to sustainable innovation.