Lankhorst sells new product worldwide through U.S. licensee

Synthetic fibres from Sneek

SPARTANBURG, North Carolina - Dutch fibres manufacturer Lankhorst Euronete has found a U.S. partner to help sell its newest product worldwide. Multinational textiles firm Milliken will under license produce Lankhorst Euronete’s new super strong synthetic fibre, market the product and develop new applications.

Lankhorst Euronete, based in the town of Sneek, Friesland, has developed the synthetic fibre in cooperation with the Technical University Eindhoven. The fibre, named ‘Pure,’ reportedly is stronger and much cheaper to produce than similar fibres. Its immediate applications include car parts and bulletproof vests.

Lankhorst (with 1,000 employees) began developing the fibre six years ago. The license agreement with Millikin, with 14,000 employees, allows the Friesland company to tap into the U.S. and foreign markets.

The material is made from polypropylene pellets and is fully recyclable. New applications could include products for the automotive and oil industry, as well as safety equipment and clothing.