Sustainable multifilament winding cuts carbon fibre use.
At the prestigious JEC World, the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University unveiled advanced hydrogen pressure tanks produced using multifilament winding technology. The innovation was presented at the NRW joint booth in Hall 5, Stand G65, drawing attention for its cost and sustainability advantages.
The tanks are manufactured using TowPreg-based winding, a process that enables highly targeted fibre placement and minimises quality variations. Initial estimates suggest the method reduces carbon fibre consumption by at least 10 per cent compared to conventional wet winding. Given that carbon fibres are among the most expensive components in pressure vessel production, this reduction significantly enhances cost efficiency.
Beyond material savings, the process lowers cleaning costs, generates less waste and operates with minimal solvent vapours, making it more environmentally friendly.
Designed for lightweight and secure high-pressure storage, the hydrogen tanks are suitable for applications across buses, lorries, ships and portable gas transport systems, supporting the transition to cleaner mobility solutions.