Technology Day: a one-day workshop on sustainable polymers.

Polymers and sustainability, innovation, recycling, natural sources, and energy. These were the topics discussed at the Technology Day workshop organized by AIM [Italian Macromolecular Science and Technology Association], Federchimica [Italian Chemical Industry Federation] and PlasticsEurope Italia.


The workshop on “Polymers and sustainable development, natural resources and technological development” was held on Friday, 11 April, on the Federchimica premises in Milan. Among the speakers from RadiciGroup was Anna De Sio, of Radici Chimica SpA R&D, who gave a talk on “New biopolymers in the context of a sustainable development model”.

“The debate at the Technology Day workshop has been really of real interest to us,” said De Sio, “not only for the topics that were discussed, but also, and above all, for the diversity of points of view voiced on these topics. A variety of professional figures gave their specific knowledge contribution to the debate. Figures from the industry, universities and industry associations such as AIM and Federmeccanica. Such meetings provide a crucial stimulus to innovation and acquisition of new knowledge and serve as a venue for debate on these topics.”

“Our Group wished to bring its own experience on sustainability to this workshop, particularly on the development of polymers with reduced environmental impact. The work carried out by our R&D team led to the development of bio-polyamides produced with materials obtained from partially or totally renewable resources. One example is Radipol® DC, a 6.10 polymer 64% made from sebacic acid, a natural source material. Through a collaborative effort between Radici Novacips (RadiciGroup Plastics) and Radici Yarn (RadiciGroup Synthetic Fibres), Radipol® DC has served as a basis for the development of both green polymers, such as our Radilon® D line, and the eco-sustainable yarn and staple of our Radilon® and Dorix® lines. All these products ensure not only a high level of sustainability, but excellent performance as well. Today, our R&D at Radici Chimica is working on developing PA10.10 polymers and PA6.10 copolymers. We are expecting good results.”

RadiciGroup’s green strategy, particularly concerning products, follows a three-pronged approach: biopolymers, in particular biopolymers produced with materials obtained from partially or totally renewable resources; post-industrial recycling, and the eco-design of  products made from traditional source materials.

Besides RadiciGroup, several experts presented talks at the workshop, including, representatives from (in order):  AIM, Federchimica, Politecnico di Milano, Istituto Eni-Donegani, Università di Bologna, Biochemtex, Novamont, IPCB – DSCTM – CNR, Versalis, Lyondellbasell, Corepla.