Evonik launches TROGAMID® R, a transparent recycled polyamide, advancing circular economy solutions for premium eyewear through Poliplastic SRL partnerships.
Evonik, a global leader in advanced polyamide materials, has introduced TROGAMID® R, a new transparent polyamide developed using recycled plastics. This innovation represents a significant step toward advancing circularity in high-performance polymers, particularly within the premium eyewear segment. The recycled material is processed by Poliplastic SRL, a forward-looking polymer recycler that works closely with eyewear manufacturers to recover valuable production waste and reintegrate it into new products.
The foundation of TROGAMID® R lies in a unique circular-economy collaboration. During the manufacture of high-quality optical non-prescription sunglass lenses, small shards and leftover pieces of TROGAMID® material are generated as part of normal production. Instead of being discarded, these high-purity remnants are collected through a dedicated partnership between Evonik, Poliplastic SRL, and leading eyewear manufacturers. This approach ensures that valuable polymer resources remain within the value chain.
According to Jennifer Hasselberg, who leads global marketing for TROGAMID® within Evonik’s High Performance Polymers business line, the collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment across the eyewear industry to building a practical and scalable circular plastics economy. She highlights that partnerships like the one with Poliplastic SRL show how sustainability goals can be achieved without compromising material performance or aesthetic quality—two factors that are critical in premium eyewear applications.
TROGAMID® itself is known for its durability, optical clarity, and premium appearance, making it a preferred material for high-end eyewear frames and lenses. TROGAMID® R builds on these same properties while incorporating recycled content, proving that recycled polymers can meet stringent technical and visual requirements. In parallel, Evonik’s TROGAMID® portfolio also includes TROGAMID® eCO, a grade produced using up to 100% bio-based feedstock through a mass-balanced approach, further expanding the company’s sustainable material offerings.
Once sufficient scrap material is generated, Poliplastic SRL collects it and applies specialized reprocessing techniques to convert the waste into high-quality granules. These granules are then used to manufacture new eyewear products. Poliplastic’s Nylo Zero® Milano and Roma eyewear collections prominently feature TROGAMID® R, using recycled material sourced exclusively from one of the industry’s leading manufacturers. This closed-loop system ensures traceability, quality consistency, and environmental benefits.
Giorgio Algisi, General Manager of Poliplastic SRL, emphasizes that the partnership allows the company to design stylish, premium eyewear within a fully circular framework. He notes that consumers should not have to choose between aesthetics and sustainability. In his view, TROGAMID® R clearly demonstrates how high-quality polyamides can be effectively recycled into new materials that support circular plastics while maintaining luxury appeal.
Looking ahead, Evonik and Poliplastic SRL expect TROGAMID® R to appear in a broader range of products. Several lens and eyewear manufacturers have already expressed interest in joining the sourcing program, and both companies are actively working to scale up the availability of this sustainable, high-performance polymer. Algisi adds that each pair of sunglasses made from recycled materials represents a conscious consumer choice—supporting cleaner production, responsible consumption, and stylish sustainability.
