R.F. Innova Srl supports luxury creations through composite waste rework

Examples of products achieved using Raimante. Source | Enrico Raimondo

In 2015, Enrico Raimondo, an Italian craftsman and materials innovator, began his endeavors to find a more circular solution for the disposal of composite scrap derived from fiber processing, lamination, plotter cutting, roll impregnation, expired materials and so on. Through personal investment, R&D, sampling and laboratory tests, Raimondo’s efforts through his founded company R.F. Innova Srl, have given rise to Raimante, a patented, “zero-impact” material.

Raimante involves a processing method that “minimizes the environmental impact of waste and at the same time guarantees the uniqueness of each creation,” according to the website. The material has two Italian patents, with a third European patent in the process of being obtained. According to one of its patents (n°102021000005411), Raimante can be processed in two ways: (1) comprised of the same types of composite fibers and (2) a mix of different fiber types such as carbon fiber in various textures, flax fiber, Kevlar, glass fiber and so on.

More specifically, composite scrap is reused without modifying it chemically and structurally. One way this is done is through the creation of new composite material rolls at an industrial level, for end customers to use. Another option is through the direct creation of innovative application pieces under the Enrico Raimondo brand or under a customer’s brands.

The scrap material used in Raimante is mainly derived from the production of components for race cars and motorbikes (F1 and MotoGP), aircraft, racing boats, bicycles, industrial automation components, profiles, motorcycle helmets or from applications in which the composite fiber has a fundamental and predominant role. Final applications made from Raimante material are equally diverse — including automotive, nautical, food, fashion, furniture design, luxury and so on.

Testing has been carried out with the Polytechnic University of Milan to compare and characterize Raimante with virgin composite materials. Tests carried out involved multiple specimens with various compositions and orientations. Results report only a 10% loss of elastic modulus and ~20% tensile loss compared to virgin materials. In this way, Raimante can reportedly be used as a replacement in whole or in part for specific applications.

Characterization results.

Using Raimante material, Raimondo is responding to the need for exclusive and elegant handcrafted products with low environmental impact, paying attention to design as well as the intended use of the product.

Looking ahead, Raimondo is setting up a production site in Italy, where composite fiber waste scraps will be conveyed, produced into rolls of material in an automated process and shipped to customers. This site will also be used to produce Raimondo’s handcrafted, luxury-focused products.

Raimondo is open to new investor and collaboration opportunities, both in Italy and abroad.