We’re pleased to welcome Lapinus back to the ESA community. In this article, Key Account Manager Roel Hebben shares the company’s journey, innovations in mineral fibre technology, and what rejoining the Association means to them.
Lapinus: Innovating for a Sustainable Future in the Sealing Industry – Using the Power of Mineral Fibres
Looking back on my recent attendance at the European Sealing Association’s (ESA) Annual General Meeting in Ljubljana, it was a pleasure to meet all the old and new colleagues from the sealing industry. It was very nice to see the teamwork and our shared passion.
Our Journey and Milestones
Since its beginnings in 1991, Lapinus has always been about innovation and sustainability. The industry was looking to replace asbestos in friction and gasket materials. Lapinus, being part of the ROCKWOOL Group, found a way to do so with solutions from stone wool. This development marked the beginning of our commitment to environmental responsibility and product innovation in the sealing industry.
Tailor-Made Solutions for the Gasket Industry
Our mineral fibres are tailored to provide mechanical strength, compression set, and creep resistance in gasket applications. Their bio-solubility ensures a sustainable solution, offering superior performance while adhering to environmental standards.
Lapinus mineral fibres perform very well at elevated temperatures, providing the resilience needed for high-pressure applications. This (micro) reinforcement is essential for industries that prioritize reliability and sustainability.
Exclusive Partnership with Kolon Industries
Complementary to our mineral fibres, we are proud to be the exclusive distributor of para-aramid pulp from Kolon Industries in the European and Indian markets. The high fibrillated aramid fibres create robust mechanical bonds within the rubber matrix and provide the required cohesion and strength during calendar processing.
Impact and Contribution to the Industry
Since its founding, Lapinus has supported the global sealing industry by replacing asbestos fibres with safe and sustainable mineral fibres. Our knowledge-sharing initiatives empower partners and clients to optimize their gasket formulations, enhancing durability, efficiency, and sustainability.
Rejoining ESA: A Commitment to Collaboration
Rejoining ESA is a milestone for Lapinus and aligns with our strategic vision of industry collaboration. The meeting in Ljubljana showed how active the ESA community is, and I’m looking forward to connecting with industry and helping with advancements in sealing technology. Strengthening our relationships and expanding our network will help us stay innovative and deliver the best solutions for our clients.
I look forward to the opportunities ahead and thank everyone in the ESA community for their ongoing support. Together, we will drive progress and make meaningful contributions to our industry.
Roel Hebben,
Key account manager Industrial & OEM