EuReComp: Composite materials recycling for a more circular Europe
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Context
Fibre-reinforced composites are very strong, lightweight and versatile materials. Because of these properties, in recent years demand for these materials has increased, as they are used in a wide variety of industries and applications. However, until now, at the end-of-life (EOL), the majority of composite materials have been landfilled or incinerated rather than recycled. Furthermore, recycling has mainly relied on mechanical processes, which are not optimal, as they affect the properties of the materials.
EuReComp: A P4Planet Project
EuReComp aimed to address the above reality by studying different recycling technologies for composite materials.
EuReComp (full title European recycling and circularity in large composite components) was a Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action (RIA). The project started in April 2022 and concluded on 31 March 2026. It unfolded under the circular economy’s principles, aiming to develop sustainable methods to recycle and reuse composite materials used in various industries, such as aeronautics and renewable energy. EuReComp illustrates the fact that, from energy to mobility, process industries sit at the core of European value chains, enabling everything from clean energy to advanced manufacturing.
Vision: The R6 Strategy
EuReComp aimed to provide sustainable methods towards recycling and reuse of composite materials, coming from components used in various industries. The project developed chemical recycling solutions for composite materials. Chemical recycling breaks down the polymers, and the fibres retain their properties. EuReComp used different EOL materials from different waste streams.
The pathways towards circularity outlined by EuReComp are: reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose and recycle. The project pursues these by repairing, repurposing and redesigning parts from end-of-life large-scale products, as well as recycling and reclaiming the materials used in such parts, thus accomplishing a reduction of waste and the transformation into high-value products. This is what the project calls the R6 strategy.
Implementation and Potential Impact
EuReComp implemented its approach through two pilot lines. Fraunhofer’s solvolysis pilot plant delivered continuous carbon fibres reclaimed from end-of-life composite parts, which were reused in the manufacturing of automotive components.
The project also successfully produced five demonstrators: a racing car steering wheel, a racing car seat, an automotive shaft, a container pontoon and a floating photovoltaic panel.
In addition, EuReComp developed a training course for upskilling students and workers, available via NTUA’s learning platform, as well as a Holistic Sustainability Decision Support Tool.
The project shows potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a reduction of 0.02 kg CO₂ equivalent in the current design of the container pontoon, and to reduce waste through the use of 100% recycled carbon fibres instead of virgin ones.
Success Story
Asked about what makes the project a success, the coordinator, Prof Costas Charitidis, unequivocally pointed to “the reclamation of continuous carbon fibres through solvolysis”, the recovery of carbon fibres from end-of-life materials by chemically separating them from resins for reuse.
At the societal level, EuReComp promoted circular economy practices, reducing environmental footprint, and raising public awareness on sustainable composite materials. Moreover, it fostered gender equality and inclusion in research activities and supported skills development related to the recycling of composite structures. Through dissemination, education, and industrial demonstrations, EuReComp contributed to societal acceptance of sustainable technologies and the transition toward climate-neutral European industry. Six SMEs were part of the 20-partner consortium, and 40% of the leading positions were held by women.
A.SPIRE considers EuReComp an ambitious success story, enabling the recovery and reuse of materials across sectors and supporting the shift to circular value chains. As the 2050 Processes4Planet Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda highlights, process industries are “a pivotal part of many value chains”. EuReComp illustrates this by reclaiming carbon fibres from end-of-life materials and reusing them in new applications.
Visit the EuReComp website.
For more information about A.SPIRE, the Processes4Planet Partnership, and the Success Stories, contact the team.
