Marl, Germany. Evonik, a globally leading manufacturer of polyamide-based materials, is launching a transparent polymer made from recycled plastics. The product, called TROGAMID® R, is processed by Poliplastic SRL, an innovative polymer recycler, which obtains scrap production-shards through a unique circular-economy partnership with manufacturers of high-quality optical non-prescription sunglass lenses.
“Special collaborations with Poliplastic SRL and high-end eyewear manufacturers are tangible examples of how many in the global eyewear industry share Evonik’s vision of a viable circular plastics economy,” says Jennifer Hasselberg, who is leading the global TROGAMID® Marketing at Evonik’s High Performance Polymers business line.
TROGAMID® R begins life as leftover shards of TROGAMID® material created during normal eyewear manufacturing processes. A durable, crystal-clear polyamide created by Evonik, TROGAMID® is a series of high-performance materials used in high-end eyewear products. Besides TROGAMID® R, the TROGAMID® series also includes a TROGAMID® eCO grade, which is produced with up to 100% bio-feedstock, using a mass-balanced approach.
After enough scrap material is accumulated by the manufacturer, Poliplastic SRL collects and reprocesses it into granules for use in the production of its unique eyewear. The company’s stylish Nylo Zero® Milano and Roma series feature TROGAMID® R made from reprocessed waste material, sourced exclusively from one of the industry’s top manufacturers.
“This collaboration allows us to create beautiful, premium eyewear frames in a complete circular economy. We believe people shouldn’t have to choose between style and sustainability. TROGAMID® R is a great example of how to recycle a high-quality polyamide into new material that enables a circular plastics economy,” says Giorgio Algisi, General Manager of Poliplastic SRL.
The circular plastic TROGAMID® R will likely be featured in more products soon. Currently, several lens and eyewear manufacturers have expressed interest in participating in the TROGAMID® R sourcing program, and Evonik and Poliplastic SRL are working together on expanding the supply of this sustainable, high-performance material.
“We see every pair of sunglasses that our customers buy as a conscious vote for a cleaner planet, smarter consumption and stylish sustainability,” says Algisi.
For more information on Evonik’s TROGAMID® transparent polyamide, please visit: https://www.trogamid.com/en
For more information on Poliplastic’s range of Nylo Zero® sunglasses, please visit: https://www.nylozero.com/
