Enka?Solutions: Innovation in 3D-Structured Materials

Introduction to Enka?Solutions

Enka?Solutions has been at the forefront of innovation since the late 1960s, beginning with the invention of the revolutionary 3D-structured polymeric mat. This unique technology has become a hallmark of Enka products, setting the standard for quality and performance in a variety of applications. Over the decades, we have continuously expanded our Enka?Solutions portfolio, leveraging proprietary technologies to create an extensive range of products that meet the evolving needs of diverse markets.

Comprehensive Market Scope

Enka?Solutions supports a wide array of markets, from Civil Engineering and Waste Management to Building, Sports, and industries like filtration and composite manufacturing. Our portfolio includes specialized solutions for water and gas drainage, erosion prevention, soil stabilization, soil consolidation, vibration control, shock absorption, and ventilation. Among our market-leading and certified products are EnkaMat?, EnkaDrain?, EnkaGrid?, EnkaVent?, EnkaSonic?, Enka?Flex, Enka?Spacer, Enka?Fusion, and Colbonddrain?. Each of these products has a proven track record of success across the globe.

To ensure global availability, we maintain production facilities and sales offices in Europe, North America, and China. Our in-house R&D centers in Europe and North America, along with independent external institutions, conduct customer-specific product development and testing, ensuring that we consistently deliver the best solutions to meet our customers' needs.

The Enka Technology

At the core of Enka?Solutions is our 3D mat technology, composed of endless polymer filaments that fuse at their intersections to form a robust 3D matrix. This matrix is open in all directions, allowing for versatile applications. Depending on the specific end-use, the 3D matrix can be customized with various design options, including profile shapes, polymer types, weight per square meter, filament thicknesses, additives, and fabric types. These mats can be used as standalone products or combined with woven or nonwoven fabrics on one or both sides, tailored to meet customer and application-specific requirements.

New Innovations

We are about to launch an innovative and sustainable alternative to granular layers utilized in construction projects to prevent the capillary rise effect. Based on initial estimates the solution will help reduce up to 70% CO2 emissions caused by the procurement and transportation of natural materials to the project site making projects more sustainable. Additionally, we have developed a lightweight green roof drainage product that uses fewer raw materials than its predecessor, without compromising on performance. ?

Make sure to follow the Enka Solutions by Freudenberg Performance Materials LinkedIn page to stay up to date on the latest innovations and solutions from our team.

Sustainability

In Production

Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our production processes. Our facility in Obernburg has been certified under the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and the ISO 50001 Energy Management System and since 2023 utilizes 100% renewable green energy in the manufacturing processes that significantly helps reduce CO2 footprint.?In addition, our team?was able to reduce?the utilization of compressed air?by 50 %?and steam?by more than 70% with similar contributions to CO2 reduction. The continuous improvement is now aiming to reduce?water consumption ensuring that we operate with the highest standards of environmental responsibility. The efforts of our team were recognized by the Freudenberg Performance Materials group as we were awarded 2nd place in the annual We All Take Care Awards in 2023.

In Products

Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are available for several Enka products, providing transparency about their environmental performance. We are also integrating recycled raw materials into our products, such as in our Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVDs) used for rapid soil consolidation in infrastructure and building projects. Moreover, our drainage products contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and construction time of projects by minimizing the use of natural resources and the simplifying the complexity in the installation process, thereby promoting sustainability in civil engineering and construction.

Expert Insights: Edgar Berkhout, Global Business Development Manager - Building & Construction

Meet Edgar Berkhout , our Global Business Development Manager for the Building & Construction division and an expert in Enka?Solutions. Edgar brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team, driving innovation and helping our clients achieve their goals through strategic application of our technologies.

Never miss a new issue by following our Newsletter and stay up-to-date with more insightful updates by following Freudenberg Performance Materials as well.