Recycling in CW Articles, News and Products
CW's Latest Recycling Articles
Trends fueling the composites recycling movement
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldVarious recycling methods are being considered for composites, from novel dismantling and processing, to building capacity and demonstrating secondary use applications.
PUR composite sandwich panels for 3D automotive parts, high-volume panels and more
Hannah Mason | CompositesWorldAt its U.S. sites, Ascorium produces glass fiber/PUR 3D parts via semi-automated molding, high-volume flat panels via a continuous line while working toward bio-based PUR and recycling.
All-recycled, needle-punched nonwoven CFRP slashes carbon footprint of Formula 2 seat
Stewart MitchellDallara and Tenowo collaborate to produce a race-ready Formula 2 seat using recycled carbon fiber, reducing CO2 emissions by 97.5% compared to virgin materials.
VIDEO: Recycling and machining carbon fiber scraps
Jodee McElfresh | Additive Manufacturing and CompositesWorldElevated Materials has partnered with ‪Toray Composite Materials America, Inc. to collect and upcycle reclaimed carbon fiber scraps into large billet laminates, which can then be cut into various parts using CNC mills.
Airbus works to improve the life cycle of composites in future aircraft
Ginger Gardiner | CompositesWorldThis companion article to CW's September 2024 Airbus Illescas plant tour discusses recycling, LCA, biocomposites, Fast Track technologies, qualification and more.
JEC World 2024 highlights: Glass fiber recycling, biocomposites and more
Hannah Mason | CompositesWorldCW 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.
Recycling processes/materials in the news
Nlcomp, Composite Recycling reveal results for rComposite recyclability
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldTesting results after recycling of nlcomp’s thermoplastic composite using Composite Recycling’s thermolysis-based process validates each technology’s potential for high-value composite output.
Breton companies launch recyclable hydrofoil design project
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldDevelopment and testing of recyclable, thermoplastic composite hydrofoil structures in Foil Infinity are expected to equip offshore racing yachts by 2030 and potentially even aircraft in the future.
Research shows feasting fungi could shake up carbon fiber recycling
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldRecovered benzoic acid from CFRP matrix breakdown can be “consumed” by genetically modified fungi, enabling high-value reclamation of both the fiber and the matrix.
USPTO issues patent for fully circular thermoset resin, stems from UC Santa Barbara Research
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldFully cured thermoset resin solubilizes on demand and under benign conditions, allowing for up to 100 wt% recovery of fibers in composites, including carbon fiber. The circularity is driven by a bio-based alternative to BPA.
MerConcept, Extracthive integrate rCF components into racing yacht construction
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldDevelopment and integration of recycled composite ballast dorade vents for an IMOCA class yacht and other ongoing projects demonstrate a push for greater circularity in the marine industry.
VCARB, Holy Technologies demonstrate composites recyclability potential for Formula 1
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldFully recyclable, race-ready carbon fiber/epoxy mirror housing component using Holy’s IPT technology highlights track-proven durability, paves way for future motorsport components.
DITF oriented rCF tapes target virgin fiber CFRP substitution
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldInfinity project developed highly oriented rCF/PA6 tapes with 88% the tensile strength, modulus of a virgin CFRP product and 49-66% reduction in global warming potential.
Resolve Composites, Siemens Gamesa partner in Second Wind project
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldTransformation of a 6-meter wind blade section into a 5-meter boat hull, demonstrates Resolve’s EOL recycled fiberglass processing capabilities using its ReceTT recycling process.
Swedish parking garage to incorporate decommissioned wind blades
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldArchitect Jonas Lloyd is working with Vattenfall to design the multistory building with a wind blade façade, targeting eco-friendly buildings and creative ways to remove blades from landfills.
Melker of Sweden accomplishes sea kayak with 100% sustainable composite construction
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldBuilt with ampliTex flax fabrics, a solid cork core and plant-based resins, the company’s Värmdö kayak model highlights an environmentally conscious design for paddlers of all levels.
ECORES WIND builds on wind blade circularity initiatives
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldLatest Horizon Europe project seeks to introduce innovative circular resins combined with advanced disassembly strategies, enabling cost-effective blade decommissioning and material reuse.
VIBES project celebrates three years of EOL composites strategies
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldMembers have sought to resolve EOL thermoset challenges through development, demonstration of controlled separation and recovery of composites by means of customized, 100% bio-based bonding materials.
Thermolysis, BASF Taiwan present low-emission rCF/TPU materials development
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldAt a Taipei event focused on CO2 emissions reduction, design flexibility and zero-waste solutions, partners promoted recycled carbon fiber (rCF) and polyurethane composite technologies.
AOC rPET resins enable Quantum Mouldings composite pop-top camper van roofs
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldFeedstock-based resin formulations and high-quality Büfa gelcoats support flexible, durable and more sustainable automotive part processing.
Veolia, Composites Recycling SA partner for composites waste circularity
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldThree-phase project establishes, scales and launches operations of large-scale thermolysis-based recycling in western France.
Asahi Kasei, Aquafil develop 3D printing material combining cellulose nanofiber, recycled PA6
Hannah Mason | CompositesWorldAvailable as a pellet or filament, the material is said to exhibit formability and strength properties suitable for automotive and aerospace applications.
EU associations confirm potential of cement coprocessing for EOL composites
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldIndependent LCA report confirms the avoidance of up to 1 ton of CO2 emissions per ton of process GFRP, calls on policymakers to recognize, build a supply chain for this circular composites solution.
ZEBRA project demonstrates closed-loop wind recycling system
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldConsortium partners have proven the complete recycling of thermoplastic wind turbines via two manufactured wind blades, featuring reduced operating cost, CO2 emissions.
Recycling materials products
PRF Composite Materials launches RP570 FR Reepreg
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldFire-retardant recycled carbon fiber nonwoven prepreg was developed with aircraft interior programs and other FST-focused applications in mind.
NonWoven365 offers nonwovens, paper solutions portfolio targeting CMC, high-temp applications
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldStuttgart-based company offers carbon, metal and ceramic fiber-based papers and nonwovens in various areal weights and thicknesses, engineered for high-temperature, sustainable application requirements.
AOC presents complete range of rPET-based resin formulations
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldCzech Republic facility takes post-consumer waste and converts it into high-quality formulations, such as the Synolite 4600 and 1112-G series, for composites manufacturing.
Formosa Plastics, TTRI collaborate to create rCF thermoplastics
Jessica PompiliNovel rCF-reinforced polycarbonate can be formed into complex shapes and recycled at its end of life.
Modular equipment achieve continuous, versatile composites processing
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldCAMX 2024: IPCO highlights its novel precision scattering system designed to process recycled/reclaimed composite materials, as well as the multi-stage ThermoPress double-belt press.
Thermolysis rCF pellets meet high-stress environment application needs
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldTest results indicate that Thermolysis’ short fiber rCF pellets are comparable to or surpass virgin carbon fiber pellets in tensile and flexural strength, making them suitable for injection molding and 3D printing.
Fully recyclable sandwich panel targets aerospace cabin interiors
Jessica PompiliCAMX 2024: Diab introduces sandwich panels that combine its structural foam core Divinycell F and thermoplastic skins, designed to meet current challenges in sustainability, REACH compliancy and more.
Recycled carbon fiber bundles support circular supply chain goals
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldCAMX 2024: Vartega is making carbon fiber more accessible to more industries through its fiber post-processing technology and EasyFeed Bundles.
Composites recycling innovations maintains material performance, quality
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldCAMX 2024: Fairmat, through the presentation of its recycling technology capabilities and examples, highlights its commitment to develop high-performing and reliable composite materials.
Carbon Conversions offers 3D printing filament reinforced with rCF
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldDevelopment of re-Evo TDR products that work on a majority of 3D printers is now an available option for companies sending in their carbon fiber waste.
Fiber-reinforced 3D printing material brings sustainability, versatility
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldJEC 2024: Xenia Materials is unveiling Xegreen 23-C20-3DP, a 100% recycled PET-G carbon fiber-reinforced material grade for high-performance additive manufacturing.
Recyclable epoxy demonstrated for industry applications
Hannah Mason | CompositesWorldJEC World 2024: Swancor demonstrates its EzCiclo recyclable epoxy and recycling process in wind, sporting goods and automotive applications.
Swancor introduces eco-friendly epoxy hardener for PCB recyclability
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldThrough the use of EzCiclio low-dielectric epoxy hardener, PCB manufactures can make recyclable, reusable products for electronic applications.
Armacell improves rPET foam offerings with ArmaPET Struct GRX
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldStructural foam core entirely made from recycled plastic bottles imparts efficiency gains, cost optimization and a more sustainable outlook for sandwich structure production.
CompPair healable composites, recycled carbon fibers featured in ID Genève luxury watch
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldHealTech prepregs enable 400x faster regenerative properties for the new Circular C product, along with incorporation of industrial waste fibers for a sustainable touch.
ARIS introduces polymer-free ceramic composite
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldFireproof, lightweight ceramic material ALEC2 is highly sustainable, suitable for manufacturing a variety of aerospace products, as well as marine and other industries.
Recycled carbon veil designed to close carbon fiber lifecycle loop
CAMX 2023: Technical Fibre Products’ new nonwoven veil can be reused in composites, effectively closing the loop and providing a viable route for the recycling of fibers.
Complex recycled CFRTP parts demonstrate discontinuous fiber advantages
Grace Nehls | CompositesWorldCAMX 2023: herone GmbH is showcasing a set of tubes, shafts and profiles, all of which demonstrate the feasibility of rCF discontinuous fibers molded into complex thermoplastic composite parts.