Fibertex South Africa – part of a global organisation, with its head office in Denmark – has made a substantial investment in the latest technology, to increase production capacity of geosynthetic products. According to Fibertex Managing Director, Sefton Fripp, the company is well positioned to meet greater demand for its products within the civil and construction sectors, as these industries enter a period of rapid growth.
“The recent upturn in the civil/construction sectors in Southern Africa can be attributed to several factors, including Government investment in infrastructure projects and the recent surge of commercial and residential projects,” states Sefton Fripp. “We are also seeing greater demand for geosynthetic products from local and foreign mining operations. The competitive cost of manufacturing makes South Africa an attractive source of raw materials.
“Our local operation is supported by a global team of technical experts, and we are independently certified to deliver the highest standards of product quality and service excellence. For example, Fibertex F-range geotextiles are tested and certified to provide 100-year durability.
“Each of our product lines play an important role for its intended application in the building sector – filtration, separation, protection, and cushioning. These products are complemented by Fibertex geosynthetic products that provide a complete solution to projects in diverse applications, including road construction and maintenance, mine rehabilitation, railway construction, warehousing, wastewater treatment plants and landfills.
“That said, our most popular products remain those utilised by builders and contractors for drainage and separation. “Geotextiles – key materials used in the construction of high-performance and cost-effective engineered solutions – are durable products that enhance the lifetime, strength, and overall quality of construction projects.
“Key advantages of Fibertex materials over others available in the local market, are their exceptional performance, eco-friendly features, and extended service life. The company’s geosynthetics range is engineered to deliver superior results, providing optimal solutions for every geotechnical challenge.
“While South African businesses face multiple challenges – including water, electricity, infrastructure, and security issues – Fibertex focuses on securing essential services, such as borehole water and backup power supply, to sustain business operations. Furthermore, the company actively collaborates with the local business community to engage with the Government on matters related to security, infrastructure development and skills enhancement. “Our team forms part of the Hammarsdale Cato Ridge Development Association (HCRDA) an entity comprising 60 members dedicated to co-operative initiatives for area development.”
The company’s manufacturing plant in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, is the largest manufacturer of UV stabilised virgin PP (polypropylene) nonwoven geotextiles produced in Africa, with certification for durability of over 100 years, in accordance with the latest EN standards.
Concern for the environment is critical at Fibertex and no chemical binders are used in the product or production process. In addition to the wide range of products made from virgin Polypropylene (PP), Fibertex also has a range of products based on recycled Polyester (RPET). No waste is discarded from the facility, and all products are 100% recyclable.
High-performance Fibertex materials – which comply with stringent quality, environmental and health specifications – play an important role in specialist sectors, including acoustics, automotive, bedding, building, composites, concrete, filtration, flooring, furniture, geotextiles, Medico and wipes.
The Fibertex geosynthetics range encompasses nonwoven and woven geotextiles, gabions and mattresses, drainage pipes and fittings and erosion control and cellular confinement solutions. The company also supplies soil reinforcing products, including geogrids and geocells, as well as geosynthetic clay liners as part of composite lining systems in modern landfills.
As demand for geosynthetic products continues to rise within the civil, construction and building sectors, the Fibertex team is committed to delivering innovative solutions that exceed customer expectations. With exceptional product quality, global expertise and dedication to sustainable business practices, Fibertex is well-positioned to drive further growth.
Eco-friendly solutions guard against soil erosion
Fibertex has recently supplied a geosynthetic solution designed to combat soil erosion at a housing estate on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast. This project involved the use of 3 000 m² Fibertex Soil Saver 292, which has been used to stabilise the slope and 3 000 m² Greencell 75 mm for added protection to the structure.
Fibertex SlopeSaver 292 – a biodegradable geojute, designed for use as a surface stabiliser for pre-vegetated slopes – is manufactured from woven natural jute fibres, to form a mesh of approximately 10 mm x 10 mm in aperture, that is staked at 1 m² intervals. After installation, the jute eventually degrades into an organic mulch, by which time the planted vegetation has developed its own rooting system.
According to Fibertex specialists, the Fibertex Greencell system creates an environmentally friendly solution to protect structures that are susceptible to excessive soil erosion. Advantages of the lightweight Greencell system are its tear resistance and long service life. Greencells are manufactured from alternatively stitched UV-stabilised, coated geotextile strips, to form a continuous honey-comb type square cellular mat. The geocell is then filled with earth, gravel or concrete. Fibertex Greencells and Soilsaver are highly efficient erosion solutions, which are used to stabilise structures like embankments, slopes, river profiles, sand dunes, base courses and drainage canals.
Solutions for gardens, homes and commercial properties
Locally manufactured Fibertex Universal DIY materials provide sustainable solutions to multiple drainage, filtration, separation and containment issues in gardens, driveways, patios and ponds. Fibertex Universal performs excellently as a separation geotextile between sand and stone to prevent intermixing of layers; as a separation material for root control and as a stabilisation fabric for under-paving to prevent sagging and rutting. Fibertex Universal also acts as a filtration layer to allow water to pass through the fabric and retain soil fines.
In addition, Fibertex Universal can also be used behind retaining walls to prevent loss of the retained soil through the facing. This versatile material also acts as a separation and filtration layer in subsoil drainage systems. According to Fibertex specialists, this environmentally friendly material has been designed to minimise maintenance, reduce weeds and avoid the need to use chemicals. Fibertex home and garden products are easy to install and can be cut to the required dimensions simply by using scissors. Fibertex Universal rolls are available from leading DIY and hardware stores throughout the country, in both 1 m x 10 m and 1.3 m x 10 m sizes. The local Fibertex team supports the diverse product range with a technical advisory service throughout the African continent.
