3D printing: Collaboration to develop material with chemically recycled PA6 and CNF

Asahi Kasei and Aquafil signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on developing a novel material for 3D printing applications with Aquafil’s ECONYL Polymer chemically recycled PA6 and Asahi Kasei’s cellulose nanofiber (CNF).

ECONYL Polymer is a chemically recycled PA6 derived from post and pre-consumer waste. Utilizing polyamide waste such as used fishing nets, old carpets and industrial waste. The material is first depolymerized into monomers, and then re-polymerized into ECONYL Polymer chips.

Asahi Kasei’s CNF is made from cotton linter. It features high heat resistance and network-forming ability. The material also has outstanding material recyclability compared to glass fiber.

3DP filament of CNF. 

Object made by 3DP using CNF.

Pellets or filaments of this compound achieve superior formability and strength, which is suitable for 3D printing in automotive and aeronautical applications.

Asahi Kasei plans to begin trial sales of filament of the new compound material in the EU, US and Japan in Q3 2025.

The material will also be showcased at Fakuma on October 15-19 in Germany, Sustainable Material Expo on October 29-31 in Japan, and Formnext on November 19-22 in Germany.