Solution Title
CIRcular economy model for Carbon fibrE prepregs
Solution Title (in English)
Sectors
Circular economy, value chains,
Markets
Europe, vehicles industry
Description
The objective of LIFE-CIRCE is to demonstrate that scraps of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) that have been impregnated with resins (so called CFRP prepreg) can be conveniently used in different sectors without the need for complex and energy-intensive reprocessing, thus lowering both raw material and manufacturing costs.
In particular, the project aims to: 1) design, construct and validate two innovative industrial pilot machines that enable CFRP prepregs sizing, treatment and packaging, by making the uncured CFRP scraps reusable; 2)produce new products with recycled CFRP (e.g. carbo-ceramic brakes, toe caps, reinforcing ribs) and prove their technical and economic viability; 3)elaborate and establish a circular economy model for those materials through industrial symbiosis.
In this way, LIFE-CIRCE will set-up a circular economy model for uncured CFRP prepreg materials that are defined by Italian legislation and the related European Directive 2008/98 as reusable industrial scraps. The ultimate goal of LIFE-CIRCE is 100% valorisation of this waste, which will be transformed into a useful secondary raw material for other end-users. The project will therefore contribute to meeting the objectives of the Circular Economy Action Plan and other relevant directives, such as the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98; recently amended by Directive 2018/851) and Directive 2010/75 on Industrial Emissions (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control).
