Elix Polymers (Tarragona / Spain; www.elix-polymers.com) has introduced a generation of natural fibre reinforced ABS. "Eco ABS-NF" has been developed for injection moulding applications and specific extrusion processes, delivering a high aesthetical value to moulded parts in the automotive and furniture markets.

The material offers high stiffness, heat resistance, low moulding shrinkage ratios, low emissions and weight reduction when compared to glass fibre reinforced ABS, the company said. It has a density of 1.12 compared to 1.15 for ABS-GF and has also been tested in 3D printing with impressive results, both in terms of processability and aesthetics.