Aquafil, LATI and Schneider Electric: engineering performance with regenerated nylon
Integrating responsible materials into high-performance industrial applications is a growing priority across sectors. Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, and LATI, an Italian specialist in high-performance thermoplastics, have collaborated to develop a new generation of miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), combining proven engineering with a lower environmental footprint. The project reflects a shared commitment by the three partners to develop innovative solutions that align technical excellence with circularity principles.
At the core of this initiative is the use of LATI’s LATIECO 62 CR H2 G/20-V2HF compound, which incorporates ECONYL® regenerated nylon, supplied by Aquafil, a premium material made entirely from various types of pre- and post-consumer nylon waste.
Meeting Electrical Engineering Standards with Regenerated Nylon
The RESi9 DPN XE MCBs developed by Schneider Electric are designed to ensure electrical protection in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Compact and modular, they offer thermal and magnetic protection, interrupting current in the event of overload or short circuit.
Using circular materials for such applications involves meeting demanding technical criteria. The plastic housing of the device is required to offer:
- High mechanical strength to withstand internal pressure
- Resistance to electrical arcing
- Thermal and environmental stability
- Flame retardancy and compliance with safety standards (UL94, GWFI)
- Dimensional precision and aesthetic quality
- Suitability for laser marking
To meet these requirements, LATI developed a formulation based on ECONYL® regenerated nylon. The compound demonstrated technical performance equivalent to fossil-based alternatives, with results including:
- UL94 V-2 classification at 0.75 mm
- GWFI 960°C at 1 mm and 2 mm thicknesses
- Excellent laser marking properties and surface finish
25% Carbon Footprint Reduction with Circular Materials
By adopting this material for the plastic housing of the RESi9 DPN XE series, Schneider Electric achieved an approximate 25% reduction in carbon footprint, without compromising on functional performance. The result highlights how circular materials can contribute to both product innovation and measurable environmental progress.
This collaboration demonstrates how synergies between material science and industrial design can drive the adoption of circular solutions in technically demanding applications. It represents a step forward in Aquafil’s ongoing efforts to support responsible innovation across industries.
