Avient Launches Long Fiber Composites Based on Recycled Nylon

Reclaimed end-of-life fishing nets avoid plastic ocean waste, and are the basis of Complēt R nylon 6 long fiber composites

Avient announced the commercial availability of Complēt™ R long fiber-reinforced composites, which incorporate post-consumer recycled nylon 6 material reclaimed from end-of-life fishing nets.

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

Creating a positive environmental impact by reducing ocean-bound plastic waste, Complēt R nylon 6 long fiber 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.

As the company states, Complēt™ R nylon 6 long fiber composites provide stiffness, strength, and toughness performance on par with standard nylon 6 long fiber 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 molding.

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