Composites UK, Scott Bader and environment consultancy Renuables, have put together a new report covering how to best dispose of or recycle of waste fiber reinforced polymer material (FRP) in the UK. The aim of the report is to direct research and development spending and commercial investment to develop the most environmentally and economically sustainable solutions. It will mainly focus on glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), which uses a thermoset resin. It may also be relevant to thermoset carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) which is currently uneconomical to recycle by pyrolysis, the organizations say. ‘Composites have an important role in the drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to lessen our reliance on fossil fuel,’ said Jean-Claude Pierre, CEO of Scott Bader Company Ltd. ‘However, composites can never be truly sustainable until we have suitable options for their end-of-life management.’
A summary of the study is available for download here.
This story is reprinted from material from Composites UK, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.