Evonik Launches TROGAMID® R Transparent Polyamide Made from Recycled Eyewear Production Scrap

Evonik has introduced TROGAMID® R, a transparent polyamide made from recycled production scrap generated during eyewear manufacturing. Processed by Poliplastic SRL within a dedicated circular plastics programme, the material re-enters the value chain as high-quality granulate for premium sunglass frames, demonstrating a practical approach to plastics circularity in the optical industry.

TROGAMID® R is based on standard production offcuts generated during the manufacture of optical non-prescription sunglass lenses. Instead of being discarded, the leftover shards of Evonik's crystal-clear TROGAMID® polyamide are collected and reprocessed by the Italian polymer recycler Poliplastic SRL.

The collaboration establishes a dedicated circular economy partnership between material supplier, eyewear manufacturers and recycler. Once sufficient scrap is accumulated, Poliplastic reprocesses the material into high-quality granules that are used to manufacture new eyewear frames.

TROGAMID® is a durable, transparent polyamide widely used in premium eyewear applications due to its optical clarity and mechanical performance. The new TROGAMID® R grade retains these properties while incorporating recycled production scrap.

The TROGAMID® portfolio also includes TROGAMID® eCO, which is manufactured using up to 100% bio-based feedstock via a mass-balanced approach. Together, the grades support different strategies for reducing the carbon footprint of high-performance plastics.

The Italian eyewear brand Nylo Zero® is the first to introduce models made from TROGAMID® R. Its Milano and Roma series use material derived exclusively from reprocessed production waste sourced from a leading lens manufacturer.

According to Poliplastic SRL, the collaboration demonstrates that premium design and circular plastics solutions can be combined without compromising material performance or aesthetics.

Evonik has opened participation in the TROGAMID® R sourcing programme to large-volume, high-end lens and eyewear manufacturers. Several companies have already expressed interest in joining the initiative.

By establishing traceable material loops within the optical plastics value chain, the programme aims to strengthen recycling structures for engineering polymers and expand the application of circular polyamide solutions.