Invista has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable materials innovation by securing a patent for a cutting-edge nylon recycling process. This breakthrough enhances nylon 6/6 resin production by increasing the supply of high-quality post-industrial recycled feedstock. Additionally, the Wichita, Kansas-based materials firm has submitted a second patent application for a revolutionary process that allows up to 100% post-consumer content to be used in the production of new nylon 6/6 components.

These patents mark a crucial step in Invista’s broader sustainability strategy. Company officials stated that the newly developed technologies align with their long-term goals of reducing emissions and supporting customers in lowering their carbon footprints. By advancing nylon recycling capabilities, Invista aims to ensure that nylon 6/6 remains the preferred polymer for various applications across industries.

The first patent, granted in the U.S., China, and Europe last fall, covers a specialized method for recycling high relative viscosity (RV) nylon. This innovative process expands the usability of mechanically recycled high-RV nylon 6/6 feedstock, which has historically been unsuitable for key downstream applications. By improving the quality and consistency of recycled nylon, the technology has the potential to increase the adoption of sustainable materials in manufacturing.

Meanwhile, the second patent application details an ammonolysis process designed to break down post-consumer nylon 6 and 6/6 blends into their original chemical building blocks—hexamethylene diamine and caprolactam. These monomers are essential in producing new nylon materials. Although this technology is still in its early stages, preliminary research suggests that the process could achieve high yields and generate monomers with properties equivalent to those of virgin materials. If successful, this advancement could significantly boost circularity in the nylon industry, reducing reliance on virgin fossil-based resources.

Jerry Grunewald, Vice President of R&D at Invista, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. "As our customers increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility and reducing their product carbon footprints, we are dedicated to being a key partner in developing the technologies that help them achieve these goals," he stated. "These patents and our ongoing research efforts demonstrate our investment in emerging technologies that will support the long-term future of nylon 6/6."

In addition to its internal research, Invista is collaborating with external technology firms and startups focused on nylon 6/6 depolymerization. By leveraging its extensive expertise in nylon manufacturing, the company is helping evaluate and refine third-party recycling technologies that could further advance the industry’s sustainability efforts.

As a major global supplier of nylon 6/6 resins, Invista operates production facilities in South Carolina, Canada, the Netherlands, and China. The company also runs a polypropylene resin unit in Texas. Through these ongoing innovations, Invista is reinforcing its leadership in sustainable nylon production and contributing to a more circular economy for high-performance polymers.