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Industry Talk

Ashes to ashes – or new fibre products

Process converts coal ash into base fibres at a nearly 1:1 ratio of coal ash to mineral fibre in terms of weight.

31st August 2021

Innovation in Textiles
 |  Woodbridge, VA, USA

Industrial

GCS Fibers, which owns a patented technology to produce high quality non-toxic mineral fibres through repurposing coal ash, is seeking to raise $3.5 million to expand its operations via an Indiegogo fundraising campaign.

The technology of the company, based in Woodbridge, Virginia, converts coal ash into six base fibres at a nearly 1:1 ratio of coal ash to mineral fibre in terms of weight. These fibres can be turned into end-products such as building insulation, textiles, paper, brake pads, rubber and plastics and carbon fibre precursors. 

It represents a significant breakthrough in the ability of the utilities industry to responsibly manage and dispose of high volumes of coal ash without producing toxic waste discharges. The technology enables utility companies to save money on coal ash management and pass these savings on to consumers. They can also reclaim land parcels formerly used for coal ash landfills/ponds.

“Our mission is to restore and conserve our environment by turning harmful coal ash into useful mineral fibre products while generating meaningful jobs” said CEO Ato Andoh.

Depending on the success of the campaign, GCS says it will be operational within three months of funding and generate monthly profits of $5 million.

www.indiegogo.com/projects/gcs-fibers-innovation-that-preserves-the-planet#

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