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Composite materials are engineered combinations of two or more distinct materials, merging their individual properties to create a new material with enhanced characteristics. Typically composed of a reinforcing phase (like fibers or particles) embedded within a matrix (often a polymer, metal, or ceramic), composites leverage the strengths of each component to achieve superior strength, stiffness, lightness, or other desirable attributes. Their versatility extends across industries, from aerospace and automotive to construction and sports equipment, where their tailored design and exceptional properties offer solutions for high-performance applications.

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.

CAMX 2025: PRF Materials is highlighting Reepreg, its novel Q.tool recycled innovation and will be providing updates on its Product Development and Innovation Centre.

Testing results after recycling of nlcomp’s thermoplastic composite using Composite Recycling’s thermolysis-based process validates each technology’s potential for high-value composite output.

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.

CAMX 2025: Superior Huntingdon Composites highlights its SCS Global-certified glass-reinforced continuous filament mat and surfacing veils, whether for lightweight strength and stiffness or flawless surface finish needs.

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. 

Operations are set to ramp up the company’s first industrial-scale recycling unit in France, made for processing up to 2 tonnes of composite waste per day.

Composites companies like Syensqo, Daher, Kordsa, Henkel, Armacell, Gurit, Diab and Envalior are leading the charge in operations transparency, climate action, more sustainable infrastructure and other areas.

First session on Industry 4.0 was attended by 22 people representing 16 companies, future sessions planned on sensors, circularity and recycling of composites waste.

The MiniLab innovation program completes third race in 2025, showing good performance and no weaknesses in TPC foils as it examines in situ data and continues lab testing.

Research shows that hot acetic acid cleaves all key bonds within epoxy-amine resins and stabilizes polymer chemical components, making it an effective EOL recycling process for carbon fiber and beyond.