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.

Trends fueling the composites recycling movement
Wind/Energy

Trends fueling the composites recycling movement

Various recycling methods are being considered for composites, from novel dismantling and processing, to building capacity and demonstrating secondary use applications.  

READ MORE
Airtech
Large Scale Additive Manufacturing

Latest Recycling Articles

VIEW ALL
Recycling

Research in Japan demonstrates novel electrical pulse method for carbon fiber recycling

Studies show that the direct discharge electrical pulse technique is highly effective in CFRP recovery and is more energy efficient than other recycling methods.

Read More
Recycling

ExoTechnologies Danu composite advances rooftop wind turbine

In collaboration with Ventum Dynamics, the purpose-built VX175 turbine will bring customers reduced weight, greater structural integrity and the ability to recycle at end of life.

Read More
Pressure Vessels

Swancor, Adani sign MOU for recyclable wind farm in India

Joint development of a wind farm using wind blades made from Swancor’s EzCiclo recyclable epoxy resin will further support India’s 140-gigawatt wind capacity goal for 2030.

Read More
Recycling

ExoTechnologies completes testing on recyclable motorcycle helmet

Helmet fabricated from Danu composites demonstrates improved weight reduction, impact resistance and complete recyclability compared to carbon fiber alternatives.

Watch
Recycling

Composite Recycling thermolysis recycling unit delivered to Veolia

Operations are set to ramp up the company’s first industrial-scale recycling unit in France, made for processing up to 2 tonnes of composite waste per day.

Read More
Recycling

Vartega makes e-commerce storefront available for sustainable carbon fiber materials purchase

Online platform aims to build a better understanding of Vartega’s materials business for customers, while streamlining the browsing and purchase of product samples.

Read More

Knowledge Centers

CW Tech Days: Bonding and Welding
CW Tech Days: Bonding and Welding

Join us for insights into advanced bonding techniques and welding processes for composite materials to ensure durability and structural integrity.

LEARN MORE
Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures
Design, Simulation and Testing Technologies for Next-Gen Composite Structures

Review the state of the art in design, simulation, failure analysis, digital twins, virtual testing and virtual inspection.

LEARN MORE
CW Tech Days
CW Tech Days

During CW Tech Days: Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.

LEARN MORE
Industrial CNC Routers
Webinar UV Powder Coatings for Composite & AM
HEATCON Composite Systems
Composites One - distributor
Airtech International Inc.

Latest Recycling News And Updates

Recycling

Mallinda launches Vitrimax VHM resin for complete composites recyclability

Vitrimax VHM enables “infinite” recyclability, self-healing and tunable properties, reducing manufacturing waste and supporting sustainability for high-performance industries.

Read More
Recycling

Nlcomp, Composite Recycling reveal results for rComposite recyclability

Testing 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.

Read More
Trends

Breton companies launch recyclable hydrofoil design project

Development 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.

Read More
Sustainability

Research 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 More
Sustainability

USPTO 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 More
Recycling

MerConcept, 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 More
American Elements
release agents, purging compounds, process chemical specialties
Real Time Resin Degassing Measurement
Airtech
CompositesWorld Top Shop Survey

Featured Posts

Biomaterials

PUR composite sandwich panels for 3D automotive parts, high-volume panels and more

At 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.

Watch
Sustainability

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 More
CAMX

VIDEO: 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.

Watch
Aerospace

Airbus 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 More

JEC 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 More
Recycling

Demonstrator 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.

Watch
CompositesWorld Top Shop Survey
American Elements