3A Composites Core Materials passes the annual FSC® review with excellence

The global availability of prime balsa wood has been for years a key driver for 3A Composites Core Materials and ensured by its sustainable forestry management plan at the sites in Ecuador (FSC-C019065) and Papua New Guinea (FSC-C125018). The 3A Composites Core Materials high quality standards throughout the whole forestry and production processes were again approved by the annual FSC® audit in late summer 2021. The approval confirms the company’s commitment towards sustainability with its product BALTEK® SBC in line with common industry standards as the first supplier of core materials from 100% controlled, owned and managed FSC®-certified plantations.

“BALTEK® SBC is a balsa wood core material produced in a fully integrated manner, starting with our own seeds in nurseries, carefully selected through our bioenhanced plant breeding program and grown on our FSC®-certified plantations,” says Juan Matheus, Global Product Manager BALTEK® products. “Harvested after 4 - 5 years and kiln-dried in an industrial, carefully monitored process, the final density sorting allows the creation of a homogeneous, high performing product from an inhomogeneous material without affecting primary forest.”

The audit is more than a single proof of production processes, records and documentation, it additionally values efforts such as the preservation of the ecosystems, not touching primary forest or the sustainable income for local communities the company works with. Its product BALTEK® SBC is proved to be the first and only carbon neutral core material, sequestering more GHG than those emitted during its production. The biomass increase in its plantations offsets all of the footprint involved in manufacturing the world class core materials. The company’s commitment to sustainability is key in the fight against climate change.

3A Composites Core Materials’ business model considering several thousand hectares of FSC®-certified balsa plantations is exceptional for the core materials industry. Its fully committed teams in Ecuador and Papua New Guinea have mastered balsa with a proven track record of 80 years of experience delivering consistent and high quality supply for the most demanding engineering applications. To aim for a responsible and sustainable future for next generations, the company is just convinced to do the right thing. “We believe that a responsible and sustainable future requires constant innovation, efficient waste management, sustainability mindset and collaboration with customers and partners,” says Eric Gauthier, CEO 3A Composites Core Materials. “Therefore, our sustainability strategy is confirmed to be key part of our business and we will continue to report regularly back on our achievements.“

About 3A Composites Core Materials

3A Composites Core Materials is a global organizational unit within the 3A Composites Group, a part of Schweiter Technologies (SIX Swiss Exchange: SWTQ), with operations in Europe, North and South America, China and Papua New Guinea.

Stronger, lighter, greener future

3A Composites Core Materials is a global leader with the broadest portfolio of high-performing and sustainable core materials with main focus on PET foam and balsa wood. We are the pioneers in sandwich technology with more than 75 years of experience.

Since the very beginning our focus has been developing strong and solid, yet lightweight core materials, which allow manufacturing more durable, sustainable and energy-efficient end products for our customers. Our products have also the purpose: to create a stronger, lighter and greener future.

We have innovation deeply planted in our core

Each of our products is a result of profound expertise and advanced thinking of our engineers, working in partnership with our customers and leading experts and research institutes. We shape the industry trends and keep our offer at the cutting edge of technology.

We want to make the industry greener

Our commitment to sustainability is deeply ingrained in all aspects of our business, from developing sustainable products to protecting the natural environment and cultural heritage of the communities we work in.



For further information please contact:

3A Composites Core Materials
Airex AG
Industrie Nord 26
5643 Sins, Switzerland
Phone 41 41 789 66 00
corematerials@3AComposites.com

www.3ACcorematerials.com

3A Composites Core Materials passes the annual FSC® review with excellence

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