Composites UK, working with the Universities of Nottingham, Manchester and Birmingham, has launched a new report on composites recycling.

In the document, ‘Composites Recycling – Where are we now?’, details are given of the current recycling processes available for carbon and glass fiber (FRP) waste, as well as future steps which need to be taken in order to make these processes more commercially viable, the organization says.

Recovery processes, re-use and application, the environmental impact of recycling, fiber reinforced thermoplastics and recyclable resins, applications for dry fibers and legislation are all covered in the report.

Composites UK has also updated the environmental section of its website, adding a list of companies who can actively assist businesses with a whole manner of waste from FRP manufacturing process.

High value products

‘It is important for Composites UK as a trade association to work with our own industry and the waste management sector to minimise any negative environmental impact and gain the best value from our waste.’ Said Stella Job, supply chain and environmental manager at Composites UK. ‘We are committed to supporting new processes and supply chains which will help us achieve this.’

Several solutions now exist to recycle carbon fiber waste back into high value products. Research is ongoing to improve the value of the recyclate, especially through better fiber alignment. While glass fiber remains difficult to recycle economically, solutions such as refuse derived fuel for energy from waste or cement kilns now exist.