Composites Recycling
Recycling in composites manufacturing is an evolving endeavor aimed at addressing sustainability challenges. Unlike traditional materials, composites often pose recycling complexities due to their multi-component nature. However, innovative techniques are emerging to tackle this issue. Methods like pyrolysis, mechanical recycling, and chemical processes are being developed to efficiently recover valuable components from composite waste, such as fibers or matrix materials.
Latest Recycling Articles
VIEW ALLResearch shows feasting fungi could shake up carbon fiber recycling
Recovered benzoic acid from CFRP matrix breakdown can be “consumed” by genetically modified fungi, enabling high-value reclamation of both the fiber and the matrix.
Read MoreUSPTO issues patent for fully circular thermoset resin, stems from UC Santa Barbara Research
Fully 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.
Read MoreMerConcept, Extracthive integrate rCF components into racing yacht construction
Development 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.
Read MoreVCARB, Holy Technologies demonstrate composites recyclability potential for Formula 1
Fully recyclable, race-ready carbon fiber/epoxy mirror housing component using Holy’s IPT technology highlights track-proven durability, paves way for future motorsport components.
Read MoreDITF oriented rCF tapes target virgin fiber CFRP substitution
Infinity 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.
Read MorePRF Composite Materials launches RP570 FR Reepreg
Fire-retardant recycled carbon fiber nonwoven prepreg was developed with aircraft interior programs and other FST-focused applications in mind.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
In the Automated Composites knowledge center, CGTech brings you vital information about all things automated composites, from the manufacturing processes to the vendors and necessary tools.
LEARN MOREThis CW Tech Days event will explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.
LEARN MOREExplore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.
LEARN MORELatest Recycling News And Updates
Resolve Composites, Siemens Gamesa partner in Second Wind project
Transformation 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.
WatchNonWoven365 offers nonwovens, paper solutions portfolio targeting CMC, high-temp applications
Stuttgart-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.
Read MoreAOC presents complete range of rPET-based resin formulations
Czech 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.
Read MoreSwedish parking garage to incorporate decommissioned wind blades
Architect 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.
Read MoreMelker of Sweden accomplishes sea kayak with 100% sustainable composite construction
Built 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.
Read MoreECORES WIND builds on wind blade circularity initiatives
Latest Horizon Europe project seeks to introduce innovative circular resins combined with advanced disassembly strategies, enabling cost-effective blade decommissioning and material reuse.
Read MoreFeatured Posts
All-recycled, needle-punched nonwoven CFRP slashes carbon footprint of Formula 2 seat
Dallara 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.
Read MoreVIDEO: Recycling and machining carbon fiber scraps
Elevated 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.
WatchAirbus works to improve the life cycle of composites in future aircraft
This companion article to CW's September 2024 Airbus Illescas plant tour discusses recycling, LCA, biocomposites, Fast Track technologies, qualification and more.
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 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.
WatchRepurposing 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.
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