The future of the plastics industry lies in sustainability – and as a plastics distributor, Polymer-Service PSG GmbH sees it as its responsibility to promote innovative solutions. One highlight in our portfolio is the sustainable polyamide 6 solutions from Aquafil, a global leader in the synthetic fibre industry and a pioneer in the areas of quality, innovation and sustainability. ECONYL® and Aquamid R represent pioneering approaches to the use of resources and recycling in the plastics industry.
ECONYL®: Depolymerised polyamide 6 from waste materials
Sustainability has become a major focus in the plastic industries, and among the many innovative materials developed to reduce environmental impact, ECONYL® has emerged as a game-changer. But what exactly is ECONYL®, and why is it gaining so much attention?
ECONYL® stands for a closed material cycle. The regenerated Nylon 6 is obtained through a chemical recycling process in which nylon waste – such as fishing nets, fabric remnants, carpeting and industrial plastics – is recycled. These are depolymerised and converted into new polyamide 6, the quality of which is in no way inferior to conventional nylon. The result: a drop in material with the properties of newly produced polyamide, but with a significantly smaller ecological footprint.
The production of ECONYL® involves several key steps. First, waste materials, particularly those that pose environmental hazards like abandoned fishing nets, are collected from oceans and landfills. Then, they go through a regeneration process where they are cleaned and broken down into raw chemical components, removing impurities. The purified material is then processed into new nylon polymer that has the same properties as virgin nylon, which is later spun into yarn and used by various industries to create sustainable products.
One of the biggest advantages of ECONYL® is that it reduces waste by repurposing discarded materials otherwise destined to landfills or in the best-case scenario to incineration. Another key benefit is its infinite recyclability, meaning it can be regenerated repeatedly without losing quality, making it a truly circular material. Additionally, it maintains the same strength and flexibility as traditional polyamide 6, making it a suitable alternative for a variety of products.
As consumers become more conscious of environmental issues, the demand for sustainable materials like ECONYL® is expected to grow. Innovations in polymer recycling and circular production methods will further improve the efficiency and accessibility of regenerated materials, helping industries transition towards a more sustainable future. ECONYL® stands as a shining example of how innovation can turn waste into valuable resources. By supporting products made with ECONYL®, consumers and businesses alike can contribute to a cleaner, greener planet.
Aquamid R: Mechanically recycled polyamide 6
Aquafil also offers Aquamid R, a mechanically recycled polyamide 6 solution. This product line is obtained from post industrial waste coming from a supply chain 100% controlled by Aquafil. Mechanical recycling produces a high-quality polyamide with a wide range of applications – a resource-saving alternative to virgin polymers.
Sustainability as a competitive advantage
ECONYL® and Aquamid R not only offer a solution to current environmental problems, but also create added value for companies that focus on sustainable supply chains. Both materials contribute to significant savings in greenhouse gas emissions and a reduction in waste. As a result, manufacturers and brands that use these innovative polyamides not only gain ecological credibility, but also economic advantages.
Polymer-Service PSG GmbH supports you in the selection and implementation of these sustainable materials in your processes. Together with partners such as Aquafil, we are driving the transition to a circular plastics industry.
Would you like to find out more about how ECONYL® and Aquamid R can make your products more sustainable?