DE & REMANUFACTURING FOR CIRCULAR ECONOMY INVESTMENTS IN THE COMPOSITE INDUSTRY
Project reference: 101084037
Start/end: December 2022 – November 2025
Total Cost: 12 603 930.83
Call: I3-2021-INV1
Topic: I3-2021-INV1-MANU
30 European partners from Italy, Finland, Austria, Spain, Slovenia, Belgium and Portugal collaborate within the EU-funded DEREMCO project, started in December 2022. Partners are on a mission to create a systemic, cross-sectoral and demand-driven circular economy solution that will enable the cost-effective reuse of post-use composite materials and components in new high-added value products.
ABOUT the DeremCo project
Fiber-reinforced plastics are the structural components of a wide range of consumer and industrial goods, but managing composite products after use in accordance with the principles of the circular economy remains a significant challenge.
The DeremCo project aims to create a systemic, cross-sectoral, demand-driven circular economy solution that will enable the cost-effective reuse of post-use composite materials and components in new high-added value products. This solution will be based on the interaction between the technical and social eco-systems at the local and interregional level and will benefit the environment, industry, consumers, and the European society.
To satisfy consumer demands, two circular pilot
procedures will be used:
a) mechanical demanufacturing and hybrid reprocessing,
b) thermo-chemical demanufacturing and textile reprocessing.
The circular value-chain will be changed into a “pull” system, in line with the new DeremCo Demand-Driven vision, where the demands and specifications on the materials and components to be reused are transferred directly from the demand side in terms of the qualities and functions of the high added-value products reusing them. The major objectives will be to encourage industrial uptake within local eco-systems, to de-risk future industrial uptake through private investments, and to raise awareness for more conscientious consumer behavior to assure sustainability and continuity.
KOPUR EXPERIMENT*
*from First Open Call selection.
Description: Development of a process for manufacturing panels/structural boards from end-of-life (EOL) wind turbine blades and other polyester production waste
Objectives:
- Development of sustainable process to manufacture high-quality panels/structural boards, using end-of-life wind turbine blades and other polyester waste, addressing both economic and environmental concerns.
- Implementation of advanced grinding to reduce waste to fine granules and apply modified molding techniques to create versatile, durable products.
- Integration of recycled polyester fibers to improve mechanical properties of products, making them more flexible and suitable for a wide range of industrial applications .
- Creation a robust, environmentally-friendly product line that meets diverse industrial needs while supporting sustainability goals.
Discaimer: This project has received funding from the European Union’s ERDF under grant agreement No 101084037. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.