
Japanese technology company Asahi Kasei and Italian manufacturer Aquafil S.p.A. are combining efforts and products to develop a novel material for 3D printing. The material will combine Aquafil’s ECONYL® polymer made from chemically recycled polyamide 6, also known as nylon 6, and Asahi Kasei’s cellulose nanofiber, made from cotton linter.

ECONYL polymer is made from pre- and postconsumer waste such as used fishing nets, carpets and industrial waste. Asahi Kasei sees potential markets in automotive and aviation for the new material due to its strength and formability characteristics. The company expects trial sales of the new filament to Japan, Europe and United States customers to begin in the third quarter of 2025.
ITOCHU Corporation has made a capital investment in Aquafil supporting ECONYL product development.