Braskem, the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and leading producer of biopolymers in the world, recently announced the expansion of its partnership with Vartega Inc., a leading recycler of advanced materials including carbon fiber reinforced plastics, for a new 3D Printing Filament Recycling Program. In May this year, Braskem launched its carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene filament.
“We are so pleased to provide Braskem with sustainable high performance carbon fiber for their new 3D printing filament. 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.”
– Andrew Maxey, Vartega CEO
3D Printing Filament Recycling Program
As the North American leader in polypropylene, Braskem is strongly committed to move towards a Circular Economy, where nothing is wasted and everything is transformed. Last year, Braskem announced it reached its 2020 goal to become an Operation Clean Sweep® blue member. The launch of the 3D printing filament recycling program is in-line with this thinking and their stride towards achieving a circular economy.
Recently, Braskem expanded its 3D printing product portfolio to include new, innovative carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene filament for 3D printing (“CF-PP”) (“FL900PP-CF”). This product is made from 100% recycled carbon fiber supplied by Vartega and optimized for use with Braskem’s polypropylene. Every box of Braskem’s carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene filament sold will include information about how to recycle the used carbon fiber filament through this program. Each year 24,000 tons of carbon fiber waste is sent to landfill every year.
Braskem is committed to a carbon neutral circular economy. In 2018, Braskem committed to 100% of plastic packaging being reused, recycled, or recovered by 2040. As part of its evolving sustainable development strategy, Braskem also announced additional commitments to mitigate climate change, eliminate plastic waste, and provide solutions for recycled products in its markets.
“Our new Filament Recycling Program 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 on the 3D printing filament recycling program and leverage their capabilities to ensure that each spool of carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene is properly disposed and does not end up in landfills. Plastic plays a vital role in society, and we believe that programs such as this will allow plastics to continue their role in advancing innovation and providing sustainable solutions.”
– Jason Vagnozzi, Braskem Commercial Director of Additive Manufacturing
Braskem’s carbon fiber 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, sporting goods, and much more. Best of all FL00PP-CF is made using 100% recycled carbon fiber with the same performance you would expect from virgin carbon fiber. Braskem’s carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene filaments are available in both 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm diameters to fit a wide range of 3D printer applications and are available for online purchase through M. Holland’s eStore.
About Vartega: Vartega is making carbon fiber more accessible to more industries by solving the world’s toughest advanced materials recycling challenges to create circular supply chains, decarbonize transportation, and enable a sustainable future. The company’s patented carbon fiber recycling process scales rapidly to address a gap in the composites supply chain.
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