Achieving sustainable waste management in the composites industry
The global push towards sustainable materials management and circular economies poses challenges for the composites industry. A new ACM CRC project is addressing a critical unmet need in Australia’s industry, namely, the sustainable recycling of Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites.
FRP composites are seeing an increased use by several industries including aerospace, automotive, construction, and renewable energy, due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and durability.
As such, the market for FRP composites is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate of 7.84%, reaching US$381.212 billion by 2028 from US$224.723 billion in 2021 (Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence, 2023).
Great as this is for our composites manufacturing industry, it also poses a potential environmental and economic challenge – sustainable waste management.
A new ACM CRC scoping project, led by The University of Sydney, is conducting a comprehensive market analysis of the recycling potential of FRP composite materials in Australia, in the hope the research will pave the way for viable FRP composite recycling solutions.
“Together with ACM CRC partners HERA, Deakin University, and Rux Energy, we are investigating industry needs and future directions through market analysis, waste production mapping, recycling pathways assessment, cost-benefit analysis, and lifecycle analysis, to identify sustainable recycling approaches that can be adopted by Australian industries, and mitigate the imminent problem posed by FRP waste,” said Dr Ali Hadigheh, Associate Head for Research Education at the University of Sydney’s School of Civil Engineering.
The project is expected to benefit composite manufacturers, environmental agencies, and end-users by offering valuable insights into recycling processes, circular design and reuse, waste reduction, and the shift toward environmentally responsible practices, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. Notably, its aims align with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, and reinforce Australia's Net Zero emission targets.
“The challenges and solutions identified in this study will contribute to global efforts to reduce FRP composite waste and its environmental impact,” said Dr Steve Gower, CEO at ACM CRC. “By examining international advancements, we are ensuring that Australia remains competitive in adopting environmentally responsible practices within the broader context of global sustainability goals.”
ACM CRC research seeks to advance knowledge in materials sustainability and support Australia's transition towards a circular economy. It is hoped that the recommendations from this project will identify sustainable pathways for recycling of FRP composites in Australia, and contribute to global best practice through the implementation of efficient waste management strategies and actionable recommendations.
“The Australian industry can significantly benefit from sustainable recycling pathways, potentially reducing disposal costs, conserving resources, and contributing to a more sustainable and circular approach to materials use,” concluded Dr Gower.
