— By Plasteurope.com correspondent — 

Japanese chemical and materials manufacturer Asahi Kasei (Tokyo; www.asahi-kasei.com) said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Italian polyamide producer Aquafil (Arco; www.aquafil.com) to develop a new compound for 3D printing suitable for use in automotive and aeronautical applications.

The partners said the material will utilise Aquafil’s Econyl line of chemically recycled PA 6 from post- and pre-consumer waste, and Asahi Kasei’s cellulose nanofibre (CNF), which is produced from cotton linter.

Asahi Kasei’s CNF features high heat resistance and network-forming ability and is easier to recycle than glass fibre, the company said. For its Econyl range, Aquafil depolymerises materials such as used fishing nets, old carpets, and industrial waste into monomers which are then repolymerised. According to the partners, the new polymer compound is formable and strong, which is particularly useful in 3D-printing applications.

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Japanese industrial group Itochu (Tokyo; www.itochu.co.jp) has made a capital investment in Aquafil in support of the MoU. Asahi Kasei said it plans to begin trial sales of the new compound in the EU, US, and Japan by Q3 2025. The material is to be offered in pellets or filaments.