The circularity of composite materials highlighted by EuCIA
The European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA) has published an article highlighting the circularity of composite materials.
In this document, EuCIA provides an overview of existing and developing composite recycling technologies. The publication also discusses the technology readiness levels (TRLs) of these technologies, as well as the importance of assessing the environmental impacts of the different processes using metrics such as cumulative energy demand (CED).
The EuCIA publication sets out the different types of outlets for composite materials after the end-of-life of the equipment made from them, the aim being to avoid landfill or incineration as far as possible, in favour of closed-loop recycling or reuse ideally, with open-loop recycling remaining a possibility.
The technology readiness levels of the various technologies are compared, for both glass and carbon fibres, from remanufacturing to recycling, via repurposing.
Cumulative energy demand is also a factor to be taken into account, says EuCIA.
See the publication Composites are circular materials.
Cover photo: EuCIA
