Asahi Kasei, a leading Japanese technology company, has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Aquafil S.p.A., an Italian manufacturer of polyamide 6 (PA6), to jointly develop an innovative material for 3D printing (3DP) applications. The partnership will combine Aquafil’s ECONYL® Polymer, a chemically recycled PA6, with Asahi Kasei’s cellulose nanofiber (CNF). This collaboration is supported by ITOCHU Corporation, which has made a capital investment in Aquafil, further strengthening the partnership. The new material is expected to deliver superior formability and strength, making it suitable for high-performance applications in the automotive and aeronautical industries.

Aquafil’s ECONYL® Polymer is a chemically recycled PA6 derived from both post-consumer and pre-consumer waste. This includes materials such as used fishing nets, discarded carpets, and industrial waste. The recycling process involves depolymerizing the waste into monomers, which are then re-polymerized to form ECONYL® Polymer chips. These chips are renowned for their sustainability, offering a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional virgin polyamide. The use of recycled materials in the production process aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and circular solutions in the global plastics industry.

Asahi Kasei’s cellulose nanofiber (CNF) is produced from cotton linter, a byproduct of the cotton industry, and boasts impressive qualities. CNF offers high heat resistance and a strong ability to form networks, which enhances the overall performance of the material. Notably, CNF is also more recyclable compared to traditional reinforcements like glass fiber, making it an attractive choice for sustainable production processes. The combination of ECONYL® Polymer and CNF results in a compound with excellent formability and strength, particularly beneficial for 3D printing applications, where precision and durability are essential.

This CNF/ECONYL® Polymer compound is expected to revolutionize 3D printing, offering enhanced material properties for industries that require high-performance components. Both the automotive and aeronautical sectors stand to benefit from the material's superior characteristics, including its strength, heat resistance, and recyclability. As 3D printing continues to expand in these industries, the demand for innovative, sustainable materials is growing rapidly, positioning this new compound as a game-changer.

Asahi Kasei intends to initiate trial sales of the filament produced from this new compound in the EU, US, and Japan by the third quarter of 2025. This timeline allows the companies to further refine the material and scale up production to meet market demand. In addition, the new material will be showcased at several upcoming industry events, including Fakuma (October 15-19, Germany), the Sustainable Material Expo (October 29-31, Japan), and Formnext (November 19-22, Germany). These events will provide a platform to demonstrate the material’s capabilities and gather feedback from potential industry users.