High-Performance Polyamide

High-Performance Polyamide Solvay Launches New Recycled-Based High-Performance Polyamide for Consumer Appliances Compared to virgin high-performance polyamides, Omnix® ReCycle HPPA offers lower water absorption, enhanced flowability, and best-in-class surface finish. [caption id="attachment_133456" align="aligncenter"] Solvay's new Omnix® ReCycle combines the outstanding mechanical properties of virgin semi-aromatic HPPA with better flow, lower water pickup and best-in-class surface finish. (Photo: Solvay, PR017)[/caption] Solvay, a leading global provider of specialty polymers, has introduced the Omnix® high-performance polyamide (HPPA) compound family, which comprises 70% PIR/PCR recycled resin and is tightly controlled by the supplier. The proprietary Omnix® ReCycle HPPA technology is part of Solvay's One Planet initiative, which seeks to improve the environmental footprint and circularity of the company's product portfolio over time. "As Solvay's first-ever recycled-based HPPA with 50% glass fiber reinforcement, Omnix® ReCycle represents a genuine breakthrough in the polyamides market for household appliances," says Claire Guerrero, Global Marketing Manager for Packaging Segment and Sustainability at Solvay. "It combines the outstanding mechanical properties of virgin semi-aromatic HPPA with better flow, lower water absorption and best-in-class surface finish. Additionally, its unique performance and sustainability profile offers an attractive material solution for brand owners and manufacturers seeking to increase recycled content in their products without compromising dimensional stability, high stiffness, impact resistance and processability."

Significantly Lower Carbon Footprint

Compared to virgin HPPA, the recycled content in Omnix® ReCycle saves resources and delivers a substantially smaller carbon footprint, achieving 30% lower global warming potential (GWP). At the same time, it provides a viable replacement for lower-performing polyamides (PA) and metals. It delivers greater durability in household appliances than standard PA6 or PA66 polymers, for example. This enables OEMs to reduce breakage and damage returns while addressing consumers' growing awareness of product longevity and environmental impact in their purchasing decisions. The new recycled-based HPPA can also reduce painting requirements due to its good surface appearance, contributing to overall sustainability benefits and enabling end-of-life recyclability of applications in an increasingly circular plastics economy. Abrasion and wear resistance for lightweight interior components in transportation and automotive applications is another target. Solvay's Omnix® ReCycle can be processed using standard injection molding equipment, including water-heated molds. The new sustainable HPPA material is now commercially available worldwide, following successful sampling and approval by a select group of customers. Omnix® is a registered trademark of Solvay. Reference