US' Avient launches recycled-content long fibre composite materials

Creating a positive environmental impact by reducing ocean-bound plastic waste, Complet R nylon 6 long fibre composites can help OEMs to meet their goals for using materials containing recycled content. Potential markets contain those whose products involve structural applications often deployed in demanding environments. Examples include lighter-weight adventure gear for outdoor recreation, next-generation vehicles that go further using fewer energy resources, and recycled-content office furnishings that contribute towards LEED certification for buildings, the company said in a press release.

Complet R nylon 6 long fibre composites provide stiffness, strength, and toughness performance on par with standard nylon 6 long fibre formulations using virgin resin, giving these materials the structural capability necessary to be used as an alternative to metals. Using these composites as a metal replacement also fosters significant weight reductions along with the time and cost savings benefits of single-step injection moulding.

Formulations are available globally in a standard black colour at typical weight percentages of long glass fibre, long carbon fibre, or hybrid combinations. Levels of post-consumer resin content vary within the offerings, which allows end products to meet different performance and sustainability requirements. 

“We’re delighted to be introducing our first recycled-content long fibre composite material in a planned larger portfolio based on recycled resin. Historically, it has been a challenge to source streams of recycled resins that are compatible with the pultrusion process used to manufacture long fibre composites. But we’re committed to leading the industry by offering sustainable options even in our performance-critical materials like long fibre composites,” Eric Wollan, general manager for long fibre technologies at Avient, said in a press release.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)