ALEC² Piloting the Marine Industry Toward a Circular, Fireproof and Sustainable Composite Material Future. Disruptive ceramic composite material is helping to navigate the way to a safer and more environmentally responsible option for the nautical world. CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA, January 1, 2024 -- The maritime composite material landscape is shifting, with the industry facing a critical crossroads - balancing weight and performance with unwavering environmental responsibility. WT&C, a leading business development firm, is proudly helping to navigate this course by unveiling ALEC², a revolutionary ceramic composite material poised to reshape the future circularity of fireproof marine composite materials and sustainability. Fireproof and Lightweight – A Marked Improvement in Fire Safety with Circularity ALEC² is a testament to material science ingenuity, boasting an unprecedented combination of fire proofing and remarkable lightness. Unlike traditional composites, ALEC² doesn't use any polymers, ignite or burn, offering unparalleled safety for crew and passengers: • Zero Burn Rate – Upon contact with flame, ALEC² does not ignite and stops fire spread, ensuring vessel safety and the well-being of personnel onboard. • Non-Toxic - Unlike some composites, ALEC² generates no toxic fumes or harmful chemicals in the event of a fire, further minimizing environmental impact and enhancing safety. • Extreme Heat Resilience - With a softening temperature exceeding 1,000°C, ALEC² provides exceptional thermal insulation and endures extreme heat conditions. ALEC² also has incredibly low density, approximately one-fifth that of aluminum and one-third that of carbon fiber composites, which makes it a lightweight champion, paving the way for: Fuel Efficiency Redefined Lighter vessels mean reduced fuel consumption and diminished greenhouse gas emissions. This aligns seamlessly with the industry's push toward sustainability. Green and Sustainable - ALEC² Pioneers a Circular Composite Economy Beyond being an engineering feat, ALEC² is also new class of composite with complete circularity and promotes increased environmental responsibility. Created from ~85% recycled industrial waste, it paves the way for a sustainable future based on the core principles of the circular composite economy: 100% recyclable material for reuse. Seamlessly integrated with established recycling processes, ALEC² creates no waste while its reliance on recycled materials eliminates dependence on virgin resources, protecting the planet for generations to come. Beyond its material science innovation, ALEC² champions and promotes environmental responsibility: • Closed-Loop System - ALEC² operates in a closed-loop system, allowing for regeneration and reuse, eliminating the need for costly and complex open-loop recycling. • Economic Viability - ALEC² is environmentally friendly and commercially viable, offering higher financial benefits and lower real cost (considering total system LCA) compared to incumbent composite technologies and metals. • Simplification - ALEC²'s closed-loop system simplifies the recycling process, minimizing the need for challenging and uneconomical post-manufacturing recovery steps associated with currently used polymer-based composites. ALEC²'s Versatility Sparks Innovation ALEC²'s versatility makes it a game-changer for diverse marine applications: • Nail-able and Bond-able - ALEC² integrates with existing construction methods, facilitating simple and seamless adoption and customization. • Sandwich Structure Synergy - ALEC²'s adaptability allows for creating lightweight, fireproof sandwich structures. This makes it ideal for engine rooms, room panels, cargo containers and more. • Suitable for Complex Shapes – ALEC² can be used for intricate molded designs with no or minimal pressure. Futureproof Solution that Addresses Industry Challenges ALEC² addresses critical challenges faced by the marine industry: Known Difficulties with Incumbents' Composites Circularity ALEC²'s closed-loop system provides a solution to the complex, expensive and resource-intensive nature of recycling traditional composites. ALEC²'s sustainability and fireproof performance make it important in securing the future of the composites industry in our increasing more environmentally conscious and demanding world. With ALEC², fireproof becomes a promise, and composite circularity a reality. "The marine industry faces a critical choice: prioritize performance and prioritize the planet. ALEC² offers a solution that doesn't require compromise. ALEC² is going to play a very important role.” — Bill Hayward, President, WT&C Innovates Inc.