Asahi Kasei, Aquafil collaborate on new 3D printing material

Asahi Kasei and Aquafil have teamed up to create a new 3D printing material made from Econyl, a chemically recycled polyamide 6 (PA6), and Asahi Kasei’s cellulose nanofibres (CNFs). This collaboration, supported by Itochu Corporation, has resulted in the development of pellets and filaments that offer better formability and strength than current materials, making them suitable for automotive and aerospace uses.

Econyl is produced from post- and pre-consumer waste like fishing nets and old carpets, which are chemically recycled and transformed back into monomers before being re-polymerized. CNF, made from cotton linter, offers high heat resistance and strong recyclability compared to traditional glass fibre.

Asahi Kasei plans to begin trial sales of this new compound in filament form in the EU, US, and Japan in the third quarter of 2025. It will be showcased at Fakuma in Germany from October 15-19 and at Japan’s Sustainable Material Expo from October 29-31.

Recent Posts

Gore introduces material innovations focused on performance and circularity

W. L. Gore & Associates has unveiled new material innovations to help apparel manufacturers meet growing consumer demand for versatile…

10 hours ago

Renfro Brands, Inspectorio to strengthen supply chain traceability

Renfro Brands has expanded its partnership with supply chain technology provider Inspectorio to strengthen responsible sourcing, management, and traceability.

10 hours ago

HKRITA partners to launch circular textile recycling ecosystem

HKRITA has signed a landmark MoU with textile company Jeanologia and recycling specialist Looptworks to establish the Green Machine Circular…

10 hours ago

Reju, Recycling Europe to strengthen textile circularity

Reju has joined Recycling Europe’s textiles division, strengthening its commitment to advancing circularity within the European textile industry.

1 day ago

Teijin Frontier develops textile combining warmth and breathability

Teijin Frontier has developed an polyester fibre technology enabling the production of a new textile offering high heat retention and…

1 day ago

CreateMe partners to launch ‘Seed to System’ initiative

CreateMe Technologies, specializing in automated apparel manufacturing, has announced partnerships with Avalo and Laguna Fabrics to launch Seed to System.

1 day ago