Owens Corning epoxy-based composite material used to produce wind turbine blades (left), after thermolysis treatment (center) and after calcination (right). Source | Composite Recycling

On June 11,  Composite Recycling  (Ecublens, Switzerland) announced a strategic collaboration with  Owens Corning ’s (Toledo, Ohio, U.S.) glass fiber reinforcements business to develop sustainable solutions for composite waste and progress industrial-scale circular economy initiatives. The relationship will focus on incorporating the reclaimed glass fibers from Composite Recycling’s  recycling process  into Owens Corning’s existing glass fiber production lines.

“Our recycling approach — using thermolysis —enables us to convert it [composites] into valuable secondary raw materials for industry,” says Guillaume Perben, co-founder of Composite Recycling.

The partnership is designed to achieve several key objectives, including:

Optimizing material integration.  The parties will jointly develop and refine methodologies to incorporate recycled materials from the Composite Recycling process into Owens Corning’s production streams of reclaimed glass fibers, which are used by industries such as boating, automotive, transportation, aerospace and construction materials, ensuring material performance and quality.

Scaling Composite Recycling’s technologies.  Together, the companies will drive the industrialization and scaling of Composite Recycling’s recycling technology to make the process cost-effective and efficient at scale.

Circular solutions for composite waste.  Owens Corning’s glass fiber reinforcements business and Composite Recycling will work together to establish circular economy systems that handle composite waste throughout its life cycle.

The companies will conduct technical trials, assessing the commercial
feasibility of incorporating recycled materials into Owens Corning’s production systems. The relationship will also focus on ensuring compliance with regulations and industry standards. Composite Recycling and Owens Corning have signed a letter of intent to align on content and next steps, and expect to finalize a formal agreement within the next 12 months to explore additional opportunities for using recycled composite materials in Owens Corning’s diverse glass fiber products portfolio.

Through the collaboration, Owen Corning’s customers will also be able to access products containing these reclaimed glass fibers. “The shift toward recycled content is no longer a trend — it’s a necessity,” says Dr. Chris Skinner, vice president of strategic marketing and R&D for Owens Corning’s glass fiber reinforcements business.