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
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EuCIA publishes declaration of the European Circular Composites Alliance
Voluntary initiative intends to set and achieve targets on the use of recovered and recycled composites, develop standards for circular product design and provide a forum for industry voices.
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HRC highlights automotive material innovation, scalable manufacturing and sustainable systems
The composites company is meeting the transition to electrification and vehicle lightweighting via hybrid monocoques, use of thermoplastic composites and carbon fiber and recycling.
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Isodan mobile recycling plant supports fiberglass, composites processing at Greater Renewable of Iowa
Now operational, the containerized plant enables GRI to process up to 20,000 pounds of end-of-life wind blades per shift, opening the way for repurposing opportunities.
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HRC’s holistic, closed-loop system supports composites recycling
HRC is addressing the management and repurposing of composites waste for automotive, aerospace and other industries.
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Spanish startup to ramp up production of “recyclable” EV prototype
Liux’s BIG electric vehicle features multiple structural components manufactured via RTM from flax fabric and a thermoset resin said to enable the entire component to be recycled and reused again.
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Royal3D uses large-scale 3D printing for aquatic drone production
ShearWater aquatic drone, manufactured with fiberglass-reinforced recycled PETG, demonstrates precision 3D printing capabilities, sustainability focus and design innovation for maritime and heavy-duty applications.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.
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Join us for insights into advanced bonding techniques and welding processes for composite materials to ensure durability and structural integrity.
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Latest Recycling News And Updates
CW launches composites recyclers, equipment suppliers resource
With recycling becoming an increasing popular and important aspect of the composites industry, CW editors have collated this list of domestic and international players.
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Head Sports launches limited-edition racquet using Toray bio-circular fibers
From prototype to reality, Toray’s sustainable carbon fibers deliver the same look, feel and performance to racquet sports but with an environmentally responsible edge.
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Fraunhofer EMI develops local pyrolysis method to reclaim continuous carbon fiber
High-power laser is used for controlled “unwinding” of thermoset composites without damaging the fibers or adversely affecting their mechanical properties, making it highly useful for recycling wound structures.
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Diehl Aviation matures recyclable composite Eco Bin
Overhead baggage compartment using only fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, metal hardware and no adhesives wins Crystal Cabin Award, supports circular aircraft interiors.
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ÉireComposites, University of Galway launch R3WIND project
Renewable energy initiative will design, develop and demonstrate novel repair and recycling techniques of onshore and offshore wind blades using sustainable manufacturing processes.
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FIBIAS++ project targets recycled TPC innovations for automotive applications
Project led by the IRT Jules Verne and supported by Compositec, Stellantis, IMT Nord Europe and CMO seeks to develop composites with a low CO2 footprint and recycled material incorporation.
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Featured Posts
Recycled carbon fiber composite panels power 40% lighter, durable semi-rigid solar panels
Designed for auxiliary power use while traveling via boat or RV, Italian startup Levante’s custom flexible or standardized semi-rigid solar panels combine the benefits of ReCarbon’s rCF and thermoplastics.
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JEC World 2025 highlights: Evolving recycling and biomaterials technologies
CW technical editor Hannah Mason shares sustainability-focused composites trade show highlights featuring maturation, scale-up, new partnerships, and new technologies in biomaterials and recycling.
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Moving toward sustainable automotive parts manufacturing
How can the automotive supply chain prepare for future sustainability requirements? Tier 1 Kautex Textron discusses emissions reduction, design for circularity and transition to recycled/bio-based plastics.
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Composites end markets: Sports and recreation (2025)
The use of composite materials in high-performance sporting goods continues to grow, with new advancements including thermoplastic and sustainability-focused materials and automated processes.
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The potential of rCF in fiber-reinforced concrete
A look at how emerging technologies for FRP concrete provide alternatives to traditionally used steel and glass fibers that are more cost-effective and address the sustainability challenge.
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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.
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