October 7, 2019

Strategic supply agreement to speed OEM automotive one-piece carbon fiber wheels development

Henkel and Carbon Revolution join forces 

Düsseldorf, Germany – Henkel, a global leading provider of high-impact solutions based on adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, has reached a strategic material supply agreement with Carbon Revolution, the world-leading Australian manufacturer of one-piece automotive carbon composite wheels. The collaboration includes dedicated manufacturing facilities established at Henkel’s existing plant near Melbourne.

The global automotive industry is seeking lightweight solutions. When it comes to wheels, which represent some of the most important mass on a vehicle due to their rotating, unsprung nature, one-piece carbon composite technology is an emerging choice for global car makers. Single piece carbon fibre composite wheels can offer up to 40 - 50 percent weight savings relative to conventional aluminium wheels and an attractive surface finish.

“Based on a number of years of close collaboration with Carbon Revolution, we have extended our proven portfolio of composite material technologies to create proprietary solutions that meet the demanding performance specifications of the global car makers,” says Konrad Brimo Hayek, Senior Business Development Manager for Automotive Components at Henkel. “The collaboration with Carbon Revolution is targeted at providing various global OEM carbon wheel programs with the best solutions available and includes active support from Henkel via dual production capacities in the EU and locally in Australia.”

Carbon Revolution’s Carbon fibre composite wheels are now used on some of the world’s most prestigious sports cars. The significant reductions in unsprung rotational mass translates into immediate vehicle handling benefits, from better steering feel and traction to improved accelerating and braking response thanks to the composite wheels’ lower inertia. In terms of sustainability, the technology can also enhance fuel or electrical power efficiency and help automotive manufacturers reduce the CO2 emission balance of their fleets.

“As lightweighting components, carbon wheels can make a significant contribution to minimizing the energy consumed when spinning the wheels up and dragging them back down every time the car is accelerated or slowed. This saves fuel on combustion engine vehicles and battery power on hybrid and fully electric vehicles, maximizing their range,” adds Carbon Revolution Chief Technology Officer Brett Gass. “Henkel’s advanced material technology also adds to the overall reduction of our carbon wheels in noise, vibration and harshness when compared to steel or aluminum wheels, which means automakers can save weight on additional sound insulation.”

About Henkel
Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market – across all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2018, Henkel reported sales of around 20 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.5 billion euros. Henkel employs around 53,000 people globally – a passionate and highly diverse team, united by a strong company culture, a common purpose to create sustainable value, and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. For more information, please visit www.henkel.com.

About Carbon Revolution
Carbon Revolution is an Australian company, which has successfully innovated, commercialised and industrialised the supply of carbon fibre wheels to the global automotive industry. The company has progressed from single prototypes to designing and manufacturing high-performing wheels for some of the fastest cars and most prestigious brands in the world. Carbon Revolution continues to innovate and supply its lightweight wheel technology to automotive manufacturers around the world.
Performance is everything. Efficiency is everything else.
For more information, visit carbonrev.com.

Contact	Petra Weidhorn	Rita Verschuuren
Phone	+49 211 7970	+31 164 317 024
Email		rverschuuren@emg-marcom.com

The following illustration material is available at www.henkel.com/press.

Henkel and Carbon Revolution join forces to speed OEM automotive one-piece carbon fibre wheels development.

Henkel and Carbon Revolution join forces to speed OEM automotive one-piece carbon fibre wheels development.