Colbond, Aquafil Partner on New Backings

Atlanta, GA, Jan. 4, 2011 -- Colbond and Aquafil are teaming up to create an environmentally friendly range of carpet backings, according to the Novwovens Industry website.

In a newly created strategic partnership, Colbond will use Aquafil’s Econyl, post-industrial and post-consumer recycled polyamide-6, to make nonwovens for carpet backings. A substantial and growing part of Econyl is generated from carpet waste.

Aquafil, With its Econyl process, has closed the loop of carpet waste recovery by using carpet yarn as the primary raw material for polyamide and finished BCF (bulked continuous filament) yarn.

Colbond launched the industry’s first nonwoven carpet backing made of post-consumer recycled polyester in 2007. The backings made from Aquafil’s Econyl process will be branded Colback Green and will comprise bi-component filaments with a post-consumer recycled bottle scrap PET core and an Econyl rPA-6 skin.

“By sourcing polyamide produced in Aquafil’s innovative Econyl process, we can now produce a 100% sustainable Colback primary backing." said Harry Verbakel, director of sales and marketing at Colbond.

“And by using rPA-6, derived from carpet waste, in the production of carpet yarn and carpet backings, the first recycling loop has been created for the face side of carpet tiles and broadloom carpet.”