High-Performance Polyamide
Solvay Launches New Recycled-Based High-Performance Polyamide for Consumer Appliances
In comparison to virgin high-performance polyamides, Omnix® ReCycle HPPA has lower water absorption, enhanced flowability, and the best-in-class surface aspect.
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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 aspect. (Photo: Solvay, PR017)[/caption]
Solvay, a prominent global provider of speciality polymers, has introduced the Omnix® high-performance polyamide (HPPA) compound family, which is made up of 70% PIR/PCR recycled resin and is highly secure and controlled by the supplier. The unique Omnix® ReCycle HPPA technology is part of the company's One Planet plan, which aims to improve the company's product portfolio's environmental footprint and circularity over time.
“As Solvay's first-ever recycled-based HPPA with 50% glass fiber reinforcement, Omnix® ReCycle is a real breakthrough in the market of polyamides 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 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.”
Significantly Lower Carbon Footprint
When compared to virgin HPPA, Omnix® ReCycle's recycled content saves resources and results in a much smaller carbon footprint, resulting in a 30% lower global warming potential (GWP). At the same time, it's a great replacement for lower-performing polyamides (PA) and metals.
It provides more durability in household appliances than normal PA6 or PA66 polymers, for example. This enables OEMs to reduce breakage and damage returns while also catering to consumers' rising knowledge of the importance of product longevity and environmental impact in their purchasing decisions. The new recycled-based HPPA can also reduce the need for painting due to its good surface appearance, which adds to its overall sustainable benefits and allows end-of-life recyclability of applications in an increasingly circular plastics economy. Wear and tear resistance for lightweight interior components in transportation and automotive is another goal.
Standard injection molding equipment, including water-heated molds, can be used to process Solvay's Omnix® ReCycle. The new sustainable HPPA material is now commercially accessible worldwide, following successful sample and approval by a small group of clients.
Omnix® is a registered trademark of Solvay.
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