Trifilon R

Trifilon R is a recycled biocomposite that combines high-grade recycled polypropylene with natural fibres such as hemp and wood-derived cellulose. Developed by Swedish material company Trifilon, the material is designed to reduce the use of virgin fossil resources while retaining the processing and mechanical characteristics required for demanding injection-moulded products.

The polypropylene used in Trifilon R comes from consistent recycled material streams sourced in Northern Europe and is combined with sustainably sourced plant fibres. During their growth, hemp and wood absorb and store atmospheric carbon in their biomass. Together with the use of recycled polymer, this contributes to a substantially lower calculated carbon footprint. According to Trifilon, Trifilon R can achieve up to a 75% reduction in CO₂ impact compared with standard polyolefins, depending on the formulation and reference material.

The natural fibres also function as reinforcement. This enables the composite to combine high impact properties with consistent mechanical and processing performance. Trifilon R additionally offers high UV resistance, making it relevant for products exposed to sunlight and demanding environmental conditions.

Unlike many recycled plastics, which are often restricted to dark colours because of variations or contamination in the recycled feedstock, Trifilon R can be produced in a broad range of customised colours, including lighter shades. The fibres can remain visible in the finished surface, giving moulded products a distinctive natural appearance.

Trifilon R is supplied as granules for injection moulding, allowing it to be incorporated into existing manufacturing processes. Potential applications include consumer products, mobility components and other technically demanding moulded parts where recycled content, durability and appearance are important considerations.

One application is the CAKE Kalk AP electric motorcycle, developed for use by rangers involved in anti-poaching operations. CAKE and Trifilon developed a customised Trifilon R grade for lightweight and strong plastic components on the motorcycle.

By combining an existing recycled polypropylene stream with renewable fibre reinforcement, Trifilon R provides a route for keeping thermoplastics in higher-value applications. Rather than relying solely on virgin polymer, the composite gives previously produced plastic another useful life while introducing renewable material content and reducing the carbon footprint of new components.