Nonmetallics strategy reaching beyond oil and gas sector

Aramco’s presence at North America's most comprehensive composites and advanced materials event, CAMX 2022, was an attention grabber for attendees interested in an energy company’s vision and strategy for the use of nonmetallics beyond the oil and gas sector.

As the materials transition contributes to climate mitigation by extending emissions reduction efforts into products and applications, Aramco’s message was clear that it is acting on multiple fronts in every industrial sector to maximize deployment of polymers and composites.

CAMX, held this year in Anaheim, California, is the largest annual event of the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) featuring more than 100 technical sessions and live demos of manufacturing processes in different market segments such as aerospace, marine, renewables, and automotive parts.  Aramco is a member of the trade group that last year recognized the company’s innovative work in deploying nonmetalllics with its Pioneer Award.

For some, Aramco’s ambitions into other sectors came as a surprise with initiatives in building and construction, automotive, packaging, and renewables.  Our nonmetallics strategy is advancing at a rapid pace on several fronts:  deployment, investment, research and development, advocacy, and localization.

Expanding our work in nonmetallics

Dozens of ongoing research projects through nonmetallic innovation centers located in the UK, U.S., and China in addition to work at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia are taking place.  More than 30 plants have been established in the Kingdom for various nonmetallic products such as reinforced thermoplastic pipe, Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Rebars, and many others. In addition, investments have been made across sectors through the In-Kingdom Total Value Ad (IKTVA), NAMAAT, Waed and Aramco Ventures (AV).

“We look forward to more collaboration with ACMA and key partners across the supply chain as we expand our work in nonmetallics,” said Waleed Al-Otaibi, nonmetallic project management office (PMO) leader, Consulting Services, Aramco who was onsite at CAMX meeting with manufacturers, suppliers, and academia to explore and build new relationships.

This year CAMX focused on addressing supply chain issues given the current environment as well as incorporating new technologies to improve sustainability.  Calling it a time of “convergence of technologies” keynote speaker Michael Steep, executive director of Stanford Engineering School's Center for Disruptive Technology and Digital Cities, noted that so many markets are going forward with composites—transportation, aerospace, construction, and energy.  For example, he pointed to a project where the integration of sensors on a commercial aircraft could detect damage and flaws on the wing much sooner than nondestructive testing or inspection that would take it offline.

Aramco's heightened visibility during CAMX raised interest, questions, and made inroads for our nonmetallics business strategy.