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Brazilian company Braskem launches 3D filament recycling programme

03 Jun '21

3 min read

Pic: PR Newswire

Braskem, the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and leading producer of biopolymers in the world, has launched a new 3D Printing Filament Recycling Programme in partnership with Vartega, a leading recycler of advanced materials including carbon fibre reinforced plastics. The programme opens way for a circular pathway for material re-use.

Carbon fibre reinforced polypropylene filament recycling provides for a circular pathway for material re-use and supports sustainability goals around eliminating plastic waste.

Recently, Braskem expanded its 3D printing product portfolio to include new, innovative carbon fibre reinforced polypropylene filament for 3D printing (CF-PP). This product is made from 100 per cent recycled carbon fibre supplied by Vartega and optimised for use with Braskem's polypropylene. Every box of Braskem's carbon fibre reinforced polypropylene filament sold will include information about how to recycle the used carbon fibre filament through this programme. Each year, 24,000 tons of carbon fibre waste is sent to landfill.

"We are so pleased to provide Braskem with sustainable high performance carbon fibre for their new 3D printing filament," said Andrew Maxey, Vartega CEO. "And by leveraging our recycling capabilities, Braskem and Vartega are able to provide an end-to-end solution for 3D printing customers. This collaboration is an excellent demonstration of what's possible with modern supply chains and novel solutions to traditional waste problems. Landfill is not the only option, and Vartega is unlocking a captive supply of valuable materials in failed prints, support structures, and filament scrap."

Braskem is committed to a carbon neutral circular economy. It has committed to 100 per cent of plastic packaging being reused, recycled, or recovered by 2040. As part of its evolving sustainable development strategy, Braskem has also announced additional commitments to mitigate climate change, eliminate plastic waste, and provide solutions for recycled products in its markets.

Jason Vagnozzi, Braskem commercial director of Additive Manufacturing, stated, "Our new Filament Recycling Programme with Vartega is part of Braskem's broader strategy to provide solutions for recycled products and eliminate plastic waste. We are excited to partner with Vartega and leverage their capabilities to ensure that each spool of carbon fibre reinforced polypropylene is properly disposed and does not end up in landfills. Plastic plays a vital role in society, and we believe that programmes such as this will allow plastics to continue their role in advancing innovation and providing sustainable solutions."

Braskem's carbon fibre reinforced polypropylene filament offers superior mechanical and thermal properties as well as low warpage and allows users to 3D print lightweight and exceptionally rigid parts for high-end applications, such as automotive, aerospace, nautical, and sporting goods. Best of all FL00PP-CF is made using 100 per cent recycled carbon fibre with the same performance as of virgin carbon fibre. Braskem's carbon fibre reinforced polypropylene filaments are available in both 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm diameters to fit a wide range of 3D printer applications.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SV)