First Graphene (ASX: FGR) has inked a deal to provide Indonesian manufacturer PT Alasmas Berkat Utama with supplies of its PureGRAPH additive to aid the development of premium graphene-enhanced industrial safety boots for South-East Asia’s mining industry.
The company will supply approximately 2.5 tonnes of PureGRAPH 10 Masterbatch over the first 24 months of the multi-year deal, which the company expects to strengthen its presence in the global apparel industry.
First Graphene has worked closely with long-term strategic compounding partner Duromer Products to ensure PureGRAPH is suitable for thermoplastic polyurethane applications such as this.
Injection moulding method
PT Alasmas will add the product to the soles of safety boots marketed under the Krushers brand using an injection moulding method to enhance durability and extend the life of the boots’ polymer and compound materials.
The manufacturer has been developing personal protective equipment for 25 years and continues to extend its distribution network across South-East Asia’s safety boot segment.
A number of stockists will sell the graphene-enhanced boots as part of initial commercial trials, with a view to expanding the use of PureGRAPH into other boot product lines.
Heightened interest
First Graphene chief executive officer Michael Bell said the new deal would heighten interest in PureGRAPH as an additive for longer-lasting safety wear.
“This agreement reinforces growing industry awareness of the improvements that PureGRAPH can make to the durability of safety boots and other apparel to help withstand the harshest workplace and environmental conditions,” he said.
“We look forward to seeing the results of this collaboration as we help deliver long-lasting safety boots to workers across South-East Asia’s mining industry.”
High-performance additive
PureGRAPH is a high-performance additive that enables easy dispersion in a range of materials including plastics, rubbers and elastomers, cement and concrete, composites, inks and coatings.
The product range includes a growing list of Masterbatch additives designed for easy incorporation into standard manufacturing processes.
Mr Bell said custom PureGRAPH Masterbatch grades in a range of polymer options could be tailored to specific materials or applications.
Get the wire before the market opens.
The ASX small-cap stories that matter, filed before 9am AEST. Curated by the Small Caps desk.