Evonik has unveiled a new transparent polymer made entirely from recycled plastics, marking a significant step toward circularity in the global eyewear industry.
The material, branded TROGAMID R, is produced from post-industrial plastic waste generated during the manufacture of high-quality, non-prescription sunglass lenses. The recycling and reprocessing are handled by Italian polymer recycler Poliplastic SRL, through a closed-loop partnership with premium eyewear manufacturers.
“Special collaborations with Poliplastic SRL and high-end eyewear manufacturers are tangible examples of how many in the global eyewear industry share Evonik’s vision of a viable circular plastics economy,” says Jennifer Hasselberg, who is leading the global TROGAMID Marketing at Evonik’s High Performance Polymers business line.
TROGAMID R originates from leftover shards created during standard eyewear production using TROGAMID, Evonik’s durable, crystal-clear polyamide widely used in high-end frames. Once sufficient scrap material is collected, Poliplastic SRL reprocesses it into new granules, ready for reuse in eyewear manufacturing.
TROGAMID is part of Evonik’s broader portfolio of high-performance polyamides for eyewear applications. Alongside TROGAMID R, the range includes TROGAMID eCO, a grade produced with up to 100% bio-based feedstock using a mass-balance approach.
Poliplastic SRL has already brought the recycled polymer to market through its Nylo Zero Milano and Roma eyewear collections. The frames are manufactured using TROGAMID R sourced exclusively from production waste supplied by one of the industry’s top manufacturers.
“This collaboration allows us to create beautiful, premium eyewear frames in a complete circular economy. We believe people shouldn’t have to choose between style and sustainability. TROGAMID R is a great example of how to recycle a high-quality polyamide into new material that enables a circular plastics economy,” says Giorgio Algisi, General Manager of Poliplastic SRL.
Momentum behind the recycled polymer is building. Evonik and Poliplastic SRL say several lens and eyewear manufacturers have already expressed interest in joining the TROGAMID R sourcing program, as the partners work to scale supply of the sustainable material.
“We see every pair of sunglasses that our customers buy as a conscious vote for a cleaner planet, smarter consumption and stylish sustainability,” says Algisi.
