Avient Introduces Complēt™ R Long-fiber Reinforced Composite, Based on Nylon 6 Recycled from end-of-life Fishing Nets

February 28, 2022 - Avient announced the opening of commercial availability of Complēt™ R long-fiber reinforced composites made from post-consumer recycled nylon 6 recovered from end-of-life fishing nets.

We are pleased to introduce our first recycled-content long-fiber composite in a larger portfolio based on recycled resins," said Eric Wollan, general manager of long-fiber technologies at Avient. Historically, finding recycled resins that are compatible with the pultrusion process used to make long-fiber composites has been a challenge.

But we are committed to leading the industry by offering sustainable options, even in our performance-critical materials such as long-fiber composites"

Complēt R nylon 6 long-fiber composites create a positive environmental impact by reducing plastic waste in the ocean and can help OEMs meet their goals of using materials with recycled content.

Potential markets include those whose products involve structural applications that are often deployed in harsh environments.

Examples include lighter adventure gear for outdoor recreation, next-generation vehicles that go farther using fewer energy resources, and office furniture with recycled content that contributes to LEED building certification.

The stiffness, strength and toughness properties of Complēt™ R nylon 6 long-fiber composites are comparable to standard nylon 6 long-fiber formulations using virgin resins, giving these materials the structural capabilities necessary to replace metal. The use of these composites as a metal replacement also provides significant weight savings, as well as time and cost savings through single-step injection molding.

Formulations are available globally in standard black, long glass fiber, long carbon fiber or blended combinations of common weight percentages.

Within these products, the level of post-consumer resin content varies, which allows the final product to meet different performance and sustainability requirements.