Due to the increasing use of PET structural foams for the core material of composite applications in the wind power industry, Diab (Helsingborg, Sweden; www.diabgroup.com) wants to stop making such products made from PVC at its Longarone, Italy, plant during the course of the year. The production of PET structural foams at the site is to continue, according to the company.

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The move adapts capacities to current demand and reduces oversupply of PVC structural foams, Diab added. Hence, customers are unlikely to experience any consequences. The Swedish company says that it had already noticed the shift from PVC to PET structural foams and balsa wood in the wind power industry in 2018 and subsequently invested more in PET activities. In the past few years, the trend of moving away from PVC has not only continued, but also intensified, according to Diab. PET structural foams are now said to be even more in demand for wind power applications than their PVC counterparts.