Polymide Recycling Creates Partnership

International chemical company Rhodia and mountain climbing outfitter Millet recently announced their intention to develop closed-loop recycling flows for polyamide. The two companies have launched an initial project aimed at recycling used mountain climbing rope and converting it into engineering plastic materials that can then be used in producing mountain sports equipment.   "This project is an excellent illustration of Rhodia's environmental commitment, which includes a focus on developing "closed-loop" partnerships with key players in polyamide markets. Rhodia's intent is to support its customers in their eco-design strategies based on the increased use of high-performance recycled materials from sustainable, ecologically responsible channels," stated Richard Bourdon, who is responsible for the development of recycling at Rhodia Polyamide. "Other similar projects are already in preparation with the goal of extending the concept to all markets in which we operate. We designed the 4earth™ brand to serve as a true benchmark for recycled polyamides."   Millet's objective is to secure and expand its approach to eco-design. Working with Rhodia will provide access to its specialized expertise and global industrial recycling network. “Without sacrificing product performance, we would like to significantly increase the percentage of recycled materials that go into our products,” affirms Laurent Bouvet, Millet's manager for rope products. He adds: “An analysis of all our product ranges quickly shows that polyamide, in all its various forms, is a basic raw material for Millet and the Lafuma group. The creation of this initial virtuous recycling loop for polyamide is keeping with the Lafuma group's longstanding commitment to do more with less.”