Boeing and Russell Brands will work together to incorporate surplus carbon fiber from 787 Dreamliner production in Russell Athletic protective athletic equipment.
The companies, in collaboration will expand 787 carbon fibers to be placed in the shoulder pad system of the CarbonTek football team of Russell Athletic.
The benefits of using aerospace-grade carbon fibers are that these carbon filaments have a high strength-to-weight ratio with greater durability.
Boeing markets additional factory materials to meet company’s environmental goals.
The opportunities to reutilize carbon fiber are vast as it increases the use of composites in airplanes.
Composite materials make up 50 percent of the 787 primary structure helping to make the Dreamliner 20 percent more fuel efficient.
The patent pending CarbonTek with OS Technology shoulder pad system has its exoskeleton made of aerospace-grade carbon fiber, which is 10 percent lighter in weight, with an increased motion and secure fit for the athlete’s body.
This collaboration with Russell Athletic ‎helps to utilize the strength and lightweight characteristics of 787 carbon fibers to support athletes on the field, said Julie Felgar, managing director, environmental strategy, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
This partnership has helped in discovering ways to utilize carbon fiber to make innovative products for the sports industry. Through this way, both companies can leverage the value of carbon fiber used in the sports kit while helping to meet environmental goals, said, Robby Davis, senior vice president, general manager, Russell Athletic.