ÂÌñÏ×ÆÞ

In October 2024, Greater Renewable of Iowa (GRI) acquired an Isodan Engineering ApS (Holeby, Denmark) containerized plant — a mobile solution for recycling fiberglass and other composite materials. After mobilization, setup and assistance, the plant is now fully operational and processing wind blades at the GRI facility in Ogden.

Isodan Engineering’s containerized plants aim to repurpose composite materials, driving circularity and eliminating disposal of wind blades in landfills. The system is capable of producing materials between 3-30 millimeters in length that are placed into supersacks for ease in material handling in a dust-free environment. The recycling plants process approximately 20,000 pounds per shift.

Featured Content

Bladder-assisted compression molding derivative produces complex, autoclave-quality automotive parts READ MORE

Biomaterials make strides toward composites sustainability READ MORE

Development of a composite liquid hydrogen tank for commercial aircraft READ MORE

On April 8, 2025, representatives from a government agency and engineering department of a local university were present to see the Isodan recycling plant in operation at the GRI facility in Iowa, followed by an open dialogue to explore ways of repurposing these reprocessed wind blades into new products. Presentations on studies and numerous tests on possible ways to repurpose them were presented and discussed.

One way in which recycled wind blades are being reused is as an energy source for the production of portland cement — a common type of cement used globally. This process replaces raw materials such as sand and clay, reducing CO_â‚‚ emissions and conserving natural resources. In addition, researchers in China have developed methods to integrate processed blade materials into asphalt, enhancing road durability and reducing waste. Due to the large amounts of fines and dust in processed wind blades, caution for repurposing methods is advised to minimize possible health risk.

Also discussed was fiberglass and concrete roofing concept developer ’s (Garrison, N.Y., U.S.) patented design for a stay-in-place (SIP) formwork system currently being 3D printed and tested at the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center under grant money awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This geometry, with a vaulted shape form, can reinforce concrete flatwork, reducing the amount of concrete and steel reinforcement required. These permanent structures — ranging from 4-8 meters in size — comprise a minimum of 30% recycled fiber-reinforced polymers, presenting an opportunity for consumption of large amounts of processed wind blades.

In addition to these examples, Isodan says assessments are being explored for processed blade fibers use in manufacturing composite building materials, components for vehicles and sports equipment, offering alternative lightweight and durable material alternatives. Conenor Ltd. (Lahti, Finland) is cited as one such company that features patented processes in this regard.