Distributed by Redox, DSM’s Akulon® RePurposed provides sustainable advantages through its innovative formulation using recycled fishing nets to create a versatile, high performance polyamide. Used in high-end applications in the sports and leisure segment, such as surfboard accessories, and a wide variety of other applications including furniture and industrial applications, Akulon® RePurposed contributes to a circular economy which mimics the circle of life.
According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), more than 8 million tonnes of plastics end up in our oceans each year damaging marine ecosystems. Abandoned fishing nets represent roughly 640,000 tonnes, nearly 10% of all plastic waste in the sea. Akulon® RePurposed contributes to cleaner oceans as instead of disposing discarded fishing nets on the beach or in the sea these are collected for recycling purposes.
Each year the program sees more than 125 truckloads of material, recovered from discarded fishing nets collected along the coastlines of India, transported to the regional production location for decontamination. The material is shredded further into small threads, washed at high pressure, and dried. After extrusion to pelletise the material is processed to create a glass fibre reinforced recycle-based polyamide with excellent functional properties.
Supporting the environment and society are two key objectives. Not only does Akulon® RePurposed provide a sustainable solution for polyamide products, it also has an extended positive social impact in terms of job creation and the development of new skills and knowledge of people working in the supply chain (i.e. collecting, sorting, cleaning and processing fishing nets).
Royal DSM is a purpose-led global science-based company in Nutrition, Health and Sustainable Living. DSM is dedicated to the development of innovative solutions and collaborations that contribute to a circular economy, representing nature and the circle of life.
Through our dedicated team of plastic and foam specialists, we deliver real value and a fresh approach to meeting our customer’s needs in a dynamic market. Our principals are leaders in their respective products, allowing us to deliver the widest range of quality materials at a price which allows you to thrive.
To discuss Akulon® RePurposed material grades and how it can be used to add value to your products, contact one of our industry professionals.