With this breakthrough, Teijin Carbon is setting new sustainability standards in the circular economy by providing manufacturers and compounders with a solution that is both technologically and ecologically future proof.

“With this innovation, we are taking another step toward a sustainable future,” says Dr. Julian Lowe, Global Industrial Group Manager at Teijin Carbon. “Our goal is to pave the way for a true circular economy in the carbon fiber industry and provide our customers with an environmentally friendly alternative that optimizes their production processes while reducing waste and emissions.”

Combining sustainability and performance

Tenax Next™ R2S 513 6mm short carbon fiber is made from repurposed loose fiber materials. This advancement is not only a milestone for Teijin Carbon but also a crucial step toward more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient production. By using byproduct fiber materials, the company conserves valuable resources and offers an attractive choice to companies looking to advance their sustainability ambitions by using a material with a low CO2 footprint.

Transparency and traceability

Tenax Next™ R2S 513 6mm marks a significant milestone with the launch of Teijin Carbon’s first digital product passport (:). The : is a datasheet, accessed via QR code, which ensures full transparency and traceability throughout the entire product life cycle. It provides detailed information about the product’s origins, materials and sustainability, from production to end of life.

The concept of the digital product passport is rooted in the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan of the European Union. Both initiatives define the product passport as a key tool for fostering a climate-friendly and resource-efficient economy.

Benefits across the value chain

Tenax Next™ R2S 513 6mm short carbon fiber is targeted to several groups, offering customized advantages to each:

Manufacturers producing or distributing end products made with fiber-reinforced plastics can now offer their customers high performance and sustainability. Thanks to full traceability, the lifecycle of the material can be transparently communicated using a : – a strong selling point in an increasingly eco-conscious consumer market.

Component manufacturers and mold makers working with fiber-reinforced plastics can benefit from the stability and traceability of the retrieved carbon fiber material, enabling long-term planning, security and reliable quality assurance. The product’s reduced CO? footprint also provides a competitive advantage where an environmental product declaration is required, particularly in markets where environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent.

Compounders producing fiber reinforced thermoplastic compound pellets from chopped carbon fiber and thermoplastics can rely on a stable supply of raw materials and consistent pricing. This reduces procurement risks and strengthens the company’s environmentally friendly profile.

Wide range of applications

Circular short carbon fiber is suitable for numerous applications across various industries, including:

+ + +  Sporting goods: shoes (insoles, outsoles, etc.), golf clubs, bicycle components, fishing reels, tennis racquets, and hockey and lacrosse gear.

+ + +  Electronics: laptops, cameras, virtual reality (VR) devices, printers, cash-handling machines, vacuum cleaners.

+ + +  Automotive: vehicles, automotive components (tier 1/tier 2).