High-Performance, Recycle-Content, Glass-Reinforced Nylon 6 and 66 Compounds

A high-performance family of nylon 6 and 66 compounds based on a minimum of 33% recycled content, consisting of 70% PIR/PCR recycled resin which is highly secured and has a controlled process has been launched by Solvay. The Omnix ReCycle HPPA (High Performance Polyamide) technology follows the company’s One Planet roadmap towards continuously improving the environmental footprint and circularity of its product portfolio, and boast lower water absorption, improved flowability and best-in-class surface aspect vs. virgin high-performance nylons.

The recycled content of Omnix ReCycle reportedly results in a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to virgin HPPA, thus showing a 30% lower global warming potential (GWP). At the same time, it has an ideal fit for replacing lower-performing nylons  as well as metals.

In household appliances, it reportedly delivers higher durability than provided by standard nylons 6 and 66 polymers. This helps OEMs reduce breakage and damage returns while meeting the growing awareness of consumers for longevity and lower environmental impact in their product choices. With its excellent surface appearance, the new recycled-based HPPA can also eliminate the need for painting, which adds to its overall sustainable benefits and facilitates the end-of-life recyclability of applications in an increasingly circular plastics economy. Another target is wear-and- tear resistance for lightweight interior components in transportation and automotive.

Solvay’s Omnix ReCycle can be processed on standard injection molding equipment, including the use of water-heated molds. Following the successful sampling and approval by selected customers, the new sustainable HPPA material is commercially available, world-wide.

Said Claire Guerrero, Solvay’s global marketing manager for packaging segment and sustainability, “As Solvay's first-ever recycled-based HPPA with 50% glass fiber reinforcement, Omni ReCycle is a real breakthrough in the market of polyamides for household appliances. It combines the outstanding mechanical properties of virgin semi-aromatic HPPA with better flow, lower water pickup and best-in-class surface aspect. In addition, its unique performance and sustainability profile offers an attractive material solution for brand owners and manufacturers who seek to increase the recycled content in their products without compromising dimensional stability, high stiffness, impact resistance and processability.”