Making transition to sustainable and recyclable composites possible: the white paper series from European projects research
We are pleased to present the white papers series on Transition to sustainable composites: use, recycling, upscale & remanufacturing.
The white papers build on the knowledge and results generated throughout the REPOXYBLE project, enriched by feedback from project partners, experts, and other stakeholders gathered through dedicated sectoral and value-chain events. Their development also benefited from close collaboration with related initiatives and projects, including r-LightBioCom, FOREST, FURHY, MC4, and SUSPENS, involved in the EcoComposites Cluster, as well as RECREATE.
Topics
Together, the three white papers explore key aspects of the transition towards more sustainable and circular composite materials:
- Widening the use of sustainable composite materials
- Recyclability, end-of-life and circularity in composite development
- Upscale and circular business models
The REPOXYBLE research activities have focused on two complementary challenges: designing advanced materials that meet the technical requirements and specifications of demanding sectors such as automotive and aerospace, while combining lightweight properties, multifunctionality and chemical recyclability; and developing chemical processes for the optimized and cost-effective separation, recovery and remanufacturing of polymer composite materials and components.
The white papers highlight that achieving greater circularity and recyclability requires coordinated technical, industrial and policy actions. At the same time, more sustainable bio-based composite solutions need to deliver features — including cost, functionality and performance — that are at least comparable to, and ideally better than, those of established fossil-based alternatives.
Key recommendations
White paper: Widening the use of sustainable composite materials
Accelerating the transition to circular and sustainable composites requires coordinated action across the value chain. This includes fostering collaboration between academia, industry and government; integrating circularity from the design stage of materials and establishing appropriate standards; promoting sustainable composites through public procurement, raising public awareness and skills.
The document is endorsed by r-LightBioCom, FOREST, FURHY, MC4, and SUSPENS projects, involved in the EcoComposites Cluster.
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White Paper: Recyclability, end-of-life and circularity
Circularity and Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles should be integrated from the earliest stages of developing circular advanced materials and sustainable composites, alongside targeted research to adapt recycling technologies and waste collection systems to different composite types. Circular solutions should be assessed from a whole-life perspective, while coordinated European action is needed to support competitive circular business models in globally connected markets.
The document is endorsed by r-LightBioCom, FOREST, FURHY, MC4, and SUSPENS projects, involved in the EcoComposites Cluster, and RECREATE.
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White Paper: Upscale and circular business models
Rethinking business models is essential to align the entire value chain with circular economy principles, and maximise benefits of materials and processes advancement. Extending product lifetimes and designing for disassembly of composite materials can reduce raw material demand and energy consumption, while enabling new circular business models based on long-term performance contracts and “Product-as-a-Service” approaches.
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