Project description DEENESFRITPL For highly effective, innovative recycling of reinforced polymers Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) are the construction materials of the future. Constructions in aerospace, automotive or wind energy sectors are increasingly relying on these materials, which are made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibres for unmet strength, durability and lightweight. FRP also improve energy efficiency and reduce the impacts of climate change. Unfortunately, there is no technology to recycle them. They are landfilled, and as such create a global waste problem. Therefore, the EU-funded R3FIBER project aims to develop, utilise and commercialise a disruptive technology capable of recovering both glass and carbon fibres from composites in a zero-residue process. The validation of the project will use a pilot recycling of wind turbine blades. The impact of R3FIBER will strengthen efforts for circular economy. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Composite materials or FRPs are the construction materials of the future. Due to their excellent properties (light weight and high mechanical performance), FRPs are becoming the material of choice for industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction or wind energy. Market drivers such as regulations on CO2 emissions reduction or increased energy efficiency guarantee this rising trend.However, a new environmental problem is arising since no industrial process exist that allows for material recycling or valorisation. End-of-life composite materials, already considered as an emerging waste, are currently landfilled, the last disposal option in the Waste Directive. A spin-off of the Spanish Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) born in 2016, Thermal Recycling of Composites S.L. (TRC) aims to industrially develop, exploit and commercialise a technology for the recycling of composite materials, allowing for complete valorisation of mass, energy and materials in a zero-residue process. The R3FIBER process, validated at pilot plant scale, provides a disruptive solution to recycle wind turbine blades and other composites, obtaining high quality glass and carbon fibres, heat and energy in a clean and energy-efficient, self-sustainedprocess, thus creating a new global market for raw composite materials. The new process will contribute to address European priorities related to circular economy (COM/2015/0614), resource efficiency (COM(2011) 571) and low carbon economy (2050 Roadmap). During Phase 1, the technical and economic feasibility of R3FIBER will be studied to define key sectors for market introduction, establish strategic alliances with key stakeholders and design the scale-up of the industrial plant for implementation and industrial exploitation during Phase 2. Fields of science engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringwaste managementwaste treatment processesrecyclingengineering and technologymaterials engineeringfibersengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energywind powerengineering and technologymaterials engineeringcompositescarbon fiberssocial scienceseconomics and businesseconomicssustainable economy Programme(s) H2020-EU.3.5. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials Main Programme H2020-EU.2.3.1. - Mainstreaming SME support, especially through a dedicated instrument Topic(s) SMEInst-11-2016-2017 - Boosting the potential of small businesses in the areas of climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials Call for proposal H2020-SMEInst-2016-2017 See other projects for this call Sub call H2020-SMEINST-1-2016-2017 Funding Scheme SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1 Coordinator BCIRCULAR COMPOSITES SOCIEDAD LIMITADA Net EU contribution € 50 000,00 Address CALLE ALMERIA 1 POLIGONO INDUSTRIAL CIDESA 08740 Sant Andreu De La Barca Spain See on map SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes Region Este Cataluña Barcelona Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 71 429,00
