Avient launches long fiber composites based on nylon 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.  

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.  

About Avient:

Avient Corporation, with 2021 revenues of $4.8 billion, provides specialized and sustainable material solutions that transform customer challenges into opportunities, bringing new products to life for a better world. Examples include: 

•  Unique technologies that improve the recyclability of products and enable recycled content to be incorporated, thus advancing a more circular economy
• Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation and reduce carbon footprint
• Sustainable infrastructure solutions that increase energy efficiency, renewable energy, natural resource conservation and fiber optic / 5G network accessibility  

Avient employs approximately 8,700 associates and is certified ACC Responsible Care®, a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and certified Great Place to Work®.