Nets made with Dyneema are stronger, lighter and last longer offering greater efficiency and aid in airlines' efforts to reduce CO2 emissions

URMOND (NL) - AmSafe Inc., a leading provider of engineered restraint systems, today announced that its AmSafe Bridport business unit has introduced the next generation of commercial aviation cargo pallet nets, at this year's Inter Airport Expo.

One of the world's lightest pallet nets, the AmSafe model features a new design and is manufactured using specialized techniques from ultra strong and lightweight Dyneema, the world's strongest fiber.

Safety-critical aviation cargo pallet nets are the only certified form of textile restraint that, at any point during their life, may be called on to instantly restrain up to 6.8 tons at 3g forces and thus protect the integrity of an aircraft. For this reason, AmSafe Bridport pallet nets are designed to meet and often exceed the stringent requirements of the world's aviation regulatory authorities.

In January of this year, the European Union introduced legislation to include aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). This legislation proposal addresses the industry's apparent need to lose weight and reduce emissions. Just recently, more than two hundred airlines together with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have committed to halve emissions by 2050, from 2005 levels.

"AmSafe Bridport lightweight pallet nets made with Dyneema are innovative products designed to tackle the industry's pressing issues," says Chris Griffin, Global Sales Director, Aerospace & Aviation at DSM Dyneema. "An air cargo pallet net made with 100% Dyneema weighs in at around 7 kg; which up to 12 kg, or more than 60% lighter than a standard polyester net. In addition to being substantially lighter, they are easy to handle and long-lasting with EASA and FAA certification for a lifetime of 5 years, helping airlines save on maintenance and repair costs," adds Chris Griffin.

The combination of unique strength and the low weight of the Dyneema fiber enables safety-critical equipment such as pallet nets from AmSafe to be made both lighter and stronger. Technically advanced new materials such as Dyneema can play an important part in helping the aviation industry in its efforts to reduce weight without compromising on safety or performance, thereby assisting in the effort to reduce CO2 emissions.

Cargo pallet nets, while an integral part of the restraint system for cargo loaded on to an aircraft, are often viewed more as commodity items. This is largely due to the relative low cost, when compared to containers and other equipment. In addition, polyester nets have a shorter life expectancy of 1-3 years, whereas containers have an expected lifetime of anywhere from 7-15 years.

"Nets are too often not considered as an important asset by airlines," comments Ian Kentfield, Director of Asia Operations for AmSafe Bridport. "When you consider the safety-critical role nets perform and the potential weight savings and emission cuts that stronger and lighter nets with Dyneema can deliver, airlines might start to view nets more as a light weight asset, not just as a commodity."

About AmSafe Bridport
AmSafe Bridport is the world's leading provider of air cargo restraint and lifting solutions, and its products are considered the benchmark for cargo restraint systems. The leading global supplier of palletized cargo nets and cargo net equipment, AmSafe Bridport is also the world's largest manufacturer of 9g barrier nets. Its defense aftermarket services include product lifecycle management encompassing spares, maintenance and supply chain management solutions. AmSafe Bridport has global engineering, manufacturing and support capabilities which enable it to provide local customized solutions.

AmSafe
AmSafe Inc. and its affiliated business units are world leaders in safety and securement products for the aerospace, defense, and ground transportation industries. AmSafe's innovative products can be found on virtually every commercial aircraft in the world and include seatbelts, restraints, airbags, cargo and barrier nets, tie-downs and cabin interior textiles, just to name a few. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, AmSafe operates manufacturing and service facilities across the globe and is committed to providing quality products and timely, cost effective solutions to customers worldwide.

About DSM Dyneema
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema, the world's strongest fiber. Dyneema is an ultra strong polyethylene fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel. Dyneema® is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands), Flaach (Switzerland) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com and www.aviation.dyneema.com.

DSM - the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company
Royal DSM N.V. creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of life. DSM's products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual net sales of EUR 9.3 billion and employs some 23,500 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com.

Dyneema, Dyneema Purity and Dyneema, the world's strongest fiber are trademark(s) (applications) owned by Royal DSM N.V.

AmSafe and the AmSafe logo and all other trademarks are owned or licensed as registered trademarks of AmSafe, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Press Contacts:
Anouk Luykx
EMG
Tel.: +31 164 317 017
Fax: +31 164 317 039
E-mail: aluykx@emg.nl

Jonathan Martinez
DSM Dyneema
Tel.: +31 46 476 6466
E-mail: press.dyneema@dsm.com

Carlotta Soares
AmSafe
Tel.: 602 850 2730
Fax: 602 850 2740
E-mail: mediarelations@amsafe.com

AmSafe Bridport

The Court, Bridport
Dorset DT6 3QU
United Kingdom
Phone: 44 (0)1308 456666
Fax: 44 (0)1308 456605
sales-asb@amsafe.com
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