In the fast-evolving landscape of high-performance materials, sustainability is no longer optional—it is a competitive necessity. On February 24, 2026, Siemens Energy announced a landmark global long-term supply agreement with 6K Additive. Under the deal, Siemens Energy will supply spent nickel-based superalloy powder from its additive manufacturing facilities to 6K Additive, which will transform the material using its proprietary UniMelt® microwave plasma production system into high-quality, ready-to-use additive manufacturing powders.
With nearly 20 tons of nickel superalloy powder already successfully processed, this partnership marks a scalable step toward true circularity in one of the most demanding material families: nickel-based superalloys.
Nickel alloys such as Hastelloy C-276, Inconel 625, Inconel 718, and Monel excel in extreme conditions—resisting corrosion in sour gas environments, maintaining strength above 800°C in gas turbines, and enduring seawater exposure in offshore platforms. However, primary production relies on energy-intensive mining and melting, making recycling both environmentally and economically attractive.
6K Additive’s UniMelt technology uses microwave plasma to deliver uniform, spherical powders with properties equivalent to virgin material. By closing the loop on “revert streams” that would otherwise enter low-value recycling, the agreement reduces waste, lowers the carbon footprint, and shortens lead times for additive-manufactured components used in next-generation energy systems.
This development arrives amid multiple converging pressures:
Geopolitical tightening of nickel supply (e.g., Indonesia’s recent moves to strengthen state control over its dominant production).
Accelerating demand from green hydrogen, offshore wind, and high-efficiency gas turbines, all of which require corrosion- and heat-resistant alloys.
Growing regulatory and customer expectations for Scope 3 emissions reduction in supply chains.
For project engineers and procurement teams, the message is clear: reliable partners must now offer not only premium material quality but also traceable, sustainable sourcing options. Recycled-content powders will increasingly complement traditional wrought and plate products, enabling hybrid manufacturing strategies that cut costs without compromising performance.
At Jiangsu Baochen Nickel Alloy Co., Ltd. (BC Alloy), we have built our reputation on consistent delivery of mill-certified Hastelloy, Inconel, Monel, and Incoloy in coils, strips, bars, plates, sheets, and wires since 2019. With more than 200 global cooperative customers and over 100 accumulated qualifications, we maintain extensive in-house processing capabilities to support both conventional and emerging applications.
While additive manufacturing grows rapidly, the majority of critical infrastructure still depends on forged, rolled, and machined forms. Our strict quality controls ensure that our alloys meet the same stringent specifications required for recycled powders—whether for new green hydrogen electrolyzers or for refurbishing existing chemical reactors. Customers already benefiting from our solutions in Mexico’s oil & gas corrosion challenges (see our recent case study) can seamlessly integrate our materials into sustainable, multi-source strategies.
Evaluate your current alloy specifications for compatibility with recycled-content options.
Request material test reports and sustainability documentation early in the design phase.
Partner with suppliers who maintain both large inventories and flexible customization—reducing risk in volatile markets.
As the nickel superalloy industry embraces circularity in 2026, BC Alloy stands ready to support your success with proven products, technical expertise, and unwavering supply reliability.
Contact us today at eva@baochenni.com or visit baochenni.com to request a quote, material data sheets, or a customized consultation. Let’s build more resilient and sustainable solutions—together.
