Sustainability
Watch: A practical view of sustainability in composites product development
Markus Beer of Forward Engineering addresses definitions of sustainability, how to approach sustainability goals, the role of life cycle analysis (LCA) and social, environmental and governmental driving forces. Watch his “CW Tech Days: Sustainability” presentation.
Jodee McElfresh
Digital Associate Editor, Additive Manufacturing and CompositesWorld
JEC World 2024 highlights: Forwarding initiatives surrounding sustainability and mobility
Themes at the forefront of JEC World 2024 included solutions for mobility applications and sustainable materials, technologies and processes for composites manufacturing.
Read MoreCW Tech Days explores the composites sustainability challenge
During the one-day virtual event on April 17 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET, seven industry experts will provide insight into hot topics like waste reduction, energy efficiency, bio-materials and recycling.
Read MoreJEC World 2024 highlights: Glass fiber recycling, biocomposites and more
CW technical editor Hannah Mason discusses trends seen at this year’s JEC World trade show, including sustainability-focused technologies and commitments, the Paris Olympics amongst other topics.
Read MoreForvia moves toward more sustainable automotive composites manufacturing
Automotive technology supplier Forvia shares sustainability goals and recent developments aimed at bio-based and recycled materials and ramping up hydrogen tank production for clean mobility.
Read More4 things to consider for sustainable composites manufacturing
Customer decarbonization goals demand supply chains with sustainable business practices. Here are four considerations for supporting those goals discussed at CW Tech Days: Sustainability.
Read MoreMeasuring energy use to enable sustainable composites production
Airbus subsidiary CTC uses new technology to measure energy use in machine components and processes to optimize equipment, production lines and guide decisions for future composites.
Read MoreNovel DITF composite material enables CO2-negative construction
Three materials — bio-based carbon fibers, natural stone and biochar — act as an alternative to reinforced concrete in a house wall demonstrator in the DACCUS-Pre project.
Read MoreLife cycle assessment in the composites industry
As companies strive to meet zero-emissions goals, evaluating a product’s carbon footprint is vital. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is one tool composites industry OEMs and Tier suppliers are using to move toward sustainability targets.
Read MoreIMDEA Materials demonstrates recyclability of CNT sheets
Researchers have proven it’s possible to recycle CNTs at the macroscopic scale with nearly 100% retention of mechanical and electrical properties, removing a hurdle to sustainable CNT-based fiber, sheet and textile adoption.
Read MoreGBM introduces new editorial roles covering automation and sustainability
CW parent company names Julia Hider correspondent for robots and autonomy and CW’s Hannah Mason correspondent for sustainability in manufacturing. Each role will cover a broader topic scope across industry.
Read MoreMelt spinning plant installation evolves DITF's fiber development
New melt spinning pilot plant offers a well-equipped environment for the development and application of research into new spinning processes, fiber functionalization and sustainable fibers.
Read MoreLeonardo advances sustainable aerospace innovation testing
Wingtips and morphing winglets integrated into a C-27J flying test bed, and a full-scale composite fuselage, are undergoing testing for Clean Sky 2 programs.
Read MoreComposites association demonstrates composites circularity
JEC World 2024: EuCIA is offering demonstrators of its Eco Impact Calculator LCA tool, and holding discussions about its initiatives in composite materials circularity, including a recent position paper and the EU-funded REFRESH project.
Read MoreMitsui Chemical, Microwave Chemical complete microwave-based carbon fiber demo facility
Completed in December 2023, the pilot production line at Mitsui Chemicals Nagoya Works began trials in January and will supply carbon fiber samples within fiscal 2024.
Read MoreEuropean boatbuilders lead quest to build recyclable composite boats
Marine industry constituents are looking to take composite use one step further with the production of tough and recyclable recreational boats. Some are using new infusible thermoplastic resins.
Read MoreComposites end markets: Electronics (2024)
Increasingly, prototype and production-ready smart devices featuring thermoplastic composite cases and other components provide lightweight, optimized sustainable alternatives to metal.
Read MoreDemonstrator project targets circularity solutions in carbon fiber composite sports equipment
The Carbon Fibre Circular Alliance (CFCA) brought together OEMs and technical partners to reclaim short carbon fibers from end-of-life sports equipment, realign into continuous prepreg tapes and remanufacture into new equipment.
Read MoreResearch center highlights sustainability, digitization technological offerings
JEC World 2024: Spanish research center Ideko showcases its knowledge, capabilities and experience in advanced manufacturing processes for composites to reduce the environmental footprint of aerospace production.
Read MoreEpisode 44: Andy West, Sonichem
CW interviews Dr. Andy West of Sonichem, about the company’s ultrasonic process for converting biomass into lignin, as well as other biomaterials of interest for composites manufacturing.
Read MoreMateri’act Dallas formed to deliver sustainable compounds to North America carmakers
A joint venture between Forvia’s Materi’act and PCR Recycling, the Texas-based company expects to produce recycled polymers that strengthen the demand and use of sustainable materials in automotive and other industries.
Read MoreRepurposing wind blades as functional community art pieces
Ohio-based Canvus Inc. upcycles fiberglass wind blades, car tires and post-consumer plastics to create outdoor furniture that amplifies sustainability messages in community spaces.
Read MoreUniversity of Bristol studies mycelium composites as alternative building materials
Affordable, lightweight and sustainable composite materials made from mycelium — mushroom roots — may have potential for packaging materials, insulation panels, floor tiles and furniture.
Read MoreFlagship Climate Impulse project targets non-stop, green hydrogen-powered flight
Bringing on Syensqo as its main materials and technological partner, Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard hopes to stimulate climate action by demonstrating disruptive solutions in this 2028 aircraft design.
Read MoreOn the radar: Biomaterials take center stage in composites manufacturing
CW provides examples of current developments and collaborations in sustainable fiber development, accessibility.
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