Carbon Conversions focuses on carbon fiber recycling throughout the composite value chain and has partnered with Dell to improve the company ’s sustainable development goals.
Although Dell currently uses Carbon Conversions' re-Evo brand products, the common task is to find a new technology that is both economical and lightweight.
Dell said they have partnered with Carbon Conversions, a South Carolina-based startup that has redesigned the process for producing carbon fiber nonwovens.
By conducting experiments and benchmarking with 200 different types of material combinations with Carbon Conversions, the company discovered a new recycled carbon fiber technology.
Recycling carbon fiber is more cost-effective and produces a lighter and more durable Latitude. The LCD enclosure of the Latitude 7300 AE is made of this recycled carbon fiber, which can increase its recycling rate to 18%, while reducing the weight of 24 grams.
The company not only focuses on materials, but also manages sustainability more comprehensively:
· All sprayed parts use water-based paint to reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds by 89%;
· Focus on the complete life cycle, including shipping, long-life batteries and packaging with recyclable ingredients.
Keith Graham, vice president of business development at Carbon Conversions, said: "The benchmark test started three years ago. Combined with Dell's stringent requirements, this advanced composite material takes Carbon Conversions, our product and process development to a new level." Carbon Conversions CEO Mark Mauhar said: "Dell also urged its direct competitors to use recycled carbon fiber and other sustainable materials."
By 2020, Dell will continue to use the knowledge gained from Carbon Conversions products in its Latitude and commercial PC product portfolio in combination with other sustainable materials.