Westlake Corporation (NYSE: WLK) has announced that its subsidiary, Westlake Epoxy, will showcase new products at JEC World 2025 in Paris, France. The company will introduce EpoVIVE, a sustainable epoxy product portfolio, alongside several innovative solutions, including:

1. Recyclable Rotor Blade Technology for wind turbines
2. Fast and cost-efficient blade maintenance products
3. Bio-based EpoVIVE products for reduced carbon footprint in aeronautical applications
4. Phenolic Fiber-Reinforced Battery Cover for automotive use
5. Hydrogen storage solutions optimized for vessel longevity
6. Next Generation Gravel Bike Technology

The company will also present a technical session on “Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Composites” on March 5th. Westlake Epoxy aims to push the boundaries of material performance while ensuring efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through sustainable sourcing, products, and manufacturing processes. The launch of EpoVIVE products and other innovations is expected to have a significant impact on the composites industry.

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The REFRESH project, funded by the Horizon Europe program, aims to develop a circular and sustainable value chain for recycling glass fiber-reinforced composite materials from wind turbine blades. The project focuses on mechanical and thermochemical treatment of blades to create new products. REFRESH partners, including Rina Consulting, Acciona, and others, are exhibiting at JEC World to showcase their progress and products made from recycled blade materials.

The project innovations include new cutting, shredding, and sorting technologies, customized recycling processes, and novel blockchain traceability tools. REFRESH partners are presenting their findings, including new products such as panels for building and construction, skis incorporating recycled fibers, and a blade tip display. The project is using life cycle assessment and costing analyses to validate its approach.

The project team comprises 11 partners from six countries, with Rina Consulting as the coordinator. REFRESH is available at Booth D114-3 in Hall 6, and project coordinator Daniel Grisenti will deliver a presentation on the project on Tuesday and Thursday at JEC World. The project started in January 2023 and will last 48 months, with a total budget of €10 million.

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Cathay Biotech is set to showcase its innovative thermoplastic bio-based composite materials at JEC World 2025, an event that focuses on advanced materials and technologies. These solutions are designed for various industries, such as automotive, new energy, construction, eVTOL, and consumer electronics, aiming to promote sustainability. The company’s bio-based polyamide thermoplastic composite materials have high performance, can be recycled, and have lower carbon emissions. These materials can replace traditional materials like steel, aluminum, and thermosetting materials, offering improved processability, weatherability, and mechanical properties. They can be used in various applications, including structural design, simulation, and molding processes, promoting production efficiency and cost reduction. Visitors to JEC World 2025 can find Cathay Biotech at Hall 5 L02 in the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in France from March 4-6.

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Elkem Silicones is showcasing its Bluesil RTV 3724 A&B, a platinum cure silicone developed with Magnum Venus Products, at a trade show. This product enables high-performance, reusable vacuum bags and accelerates production while reducing waste and environmental impact. The silicone is sprayed or brushed onto a substrate, then cured using a platinum catalyst. This technology is used in vacuum infusion molding processes. Live demonstrations are available in Hall 6, featuring spraying or brushing the silicone and curing it, with timeslots on March 4, 5, and 6. Elkem Silicones is a global leader in silicone technologies, offering a range of products for various industries, including composites. Attendees can visit their booth F126 in Hall 5 to learn more. The company’s focus on sustainability is evident in this product, which enables manufacturers to achieve their sustainability goals without compromising performance.

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Cygnet Texkimp, a UK-based company, is showcasing its fiber handling and processing solutions at JEC World, highlighting their role in enabling lightweighting, decarbonization, and sustainability in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and defense. The company is presenting its high-tension carbon fiber overwrapping solution for electric motors and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains, as well as its DEECOM fiber recycling system, which recycles carbon fiber to create a circular economy. They are also demonstrating their Multi Roll Stack prepreg and towpreg machine, designed to produce high-volume, high-quality prepregs for industrial and aerospace applications. Additionally, Cygnet Texkimp is highlighting its expertise in handling delicate and high-value composite fibers, offering a range of advanced creels to optimize tension control and uniformity for high-performance materials. The company’s CEO, Luke Vardy, will also participate in a panel discussion on composites for hydrogen transportation and distribution.

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Rice University researchers have developed a new fully recyclable material made from carbon nanotube fibers, which could replace traditional materials like metals and polymers in various applications. The material, published in the journal Carbon, has the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing industry and reduce environmental impacts. Unlike traditional materials, which can lose their properties when recycled, the new material retains its strength, conductivity, and thermal conductivity after being recycled. This means it can be used and reused in demanding applications without compromising performance, reducing the need for new raw materials. The breakthrough also offers an efficient and simplified recycling process that doesn’t require sorting, high energy usage, or hazardous chemicals. This technology has the potential to make a significant impact in industries such as aircraft, vehicles, and civil infrastructure, ultimately reducing environmental impacts and pollution.

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Researchers from South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan Textile University, and Hubei University in China have developed a recyclable epoxy resin that can be used to make carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) with improved strength and durability. The new resin, called high-strength recyclable epoxy resin (HREP), is designed to be reprocessable and can be degraded at 140°C in solvents such as DMSO, making it suitable for reuse. The CFRPs made with HREP have a tensile strength of 1016.1 MPa, interfacial shear strength of 70.8 MPa, and interlaminar shear strength of 76.0 MPa, among other impressive mechanical properties. The researchers also modified carbon fibers with hyperbranched ionic liquids to improve their bonding with the epoxy resin. This innovation offers a solution to the recyclability challenge of CFRPs while improving their performance. The open-loop recycling of CFRPs can reduce waste and improve resource efficiency, aligning with the goal of minimizing environmental impact while maintaining high-performance materials. This development is a significant step towards sustainable materials science and has the potential to transform industries reliant on composite materials.

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Here is a 200-word summary of the DecomBlades project:

The DecomBlades project ran from 2021-2023, aiming to establish a recycling process for wind turbine blades. The project aimed to develop a value chain for handling end-of-life blades from decommissioning to recycling, and to create an international standard for recycling blade materials. The project brought together industry partners, research institutes, and subcontractors to develop three recycling process tracks: mechanical shredding, cement co-processing, and pyrolysis. These processes were tested using shredded blade samples, and a pilot pyrolysis facility was commissioned. The project achieved a milestone in October 2023 by successfully recovering and processing glass fiber from a retired wind blade to a quality suitable for use in new turbine blades. This achievement will enable the production of new blades with the recovered glass fiber. The project’s partners, including Siemens Gamesa, Vestas, and Ørsted, plan to scale up the innovation to a more proven and cost-efficient value chain solution. The project’s success has the potential to significantly reduce waste and promote a more sustainable energy transition.

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The Fiber-reinforced Plastic (FRP) Recycling Market research report by Archive Market Research provides a comprehensive analysis of the market, including its growth, trends, drivers, restraints, and opportunities. The report covers the segmentations by product (glass-fiber reinforced plastic and carbon-fiber reinforced plastic), driving forces, and emerging trends. The market is driven by growing environmental concerns, stringent waste management regulations, technological advancements, and increasing demand for sustainable materials.

The report also highlights the growth of the market, which is expected to reach USD 796.40 million by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0%. The report provides information on the leading manufacturers, such as Aeron Composite Pvt. Ltd, Carbon Conversions, and Carbon Fiber Recycle Industry Co. Ltd, among others. The study also analyzes the market by region, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and others.

The report provides insights into the market, including its competitive landscape, peer group analysis, BCG matrix, and company profile. Additionally, it covers the market dynamics, including drivers, trends, and challenges, as well as emerging technologies and market opportunities. Overall, the report provides a comprehensive understanding of the Fiber-reinforced Plastic (FRP) Recycling Market and its growth prospects.

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Exel Composites has achieved IATF 16949 certification for its Joensuu factory in Finland, demonstrating its commitment to producing high-quality automotive parts. IATF 16949 is a globally recognized standard that emphasizes high-quality manufacturing, defect prevention, and reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain. To achieve this certification, Exel made significant changes to its production workflow, including tracking raw materials, implementing stricter inspections, and lab testing to ensure quality control. The company’s largest R&D hub, Joensuu, played a key role in achieving this milestone, as most new products are developed here. The certification sets a new benchmark for the company and demonstrates its commitment to delivering defect-free, high-performance components to customers. Exel plans to expand IATF 16949 certification to other facilities globally.

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Sumitomo Corp. has announced a strategic investment in Evertrak, a manufacturer of composite railroad ties, to reduce environmental impacts and build a more sustainable US railroad infrastructure. The partnership aims to address the issue of wood railroad tie decay in high-decay zones, particularly in the southeastern US, where heat and humidity accelerate decay. Evertrak’s composite ties, made from recycled plastics and fiberglass, offer advantages such as optimal environmental performance, extended durability, and long-term cost savings. The company’s flagship product, the Evertrak 7000, has a lifespan of over 50 years in high-decay zones, compared to the average 8-12 years of wood railroad ties. Sumitomo Corp. Group, through its Steel Group, has been supporting North American freight railroad infrastructure by exporting rails and manufacturing tie plates, wheels, and axles. The investment aims to enhance Evertrak’s production capacity and accelerate the development of competitive and sustainable product solutions.

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The RDG Recycling Group, based in Austria, uses innovative recycling processes to conserve resources and reduce CO2 emissions. To recycle diverse materials, they needed a shredder that could handle different plastic composites and applications. They required a shredder with an insensitive cutting system, energy-efficient drive, and quick replacement of perforated screens. They chose the UNTHA XR3000C mobil-e shredder, which is driven by an energy-efficient direct drive and has a wide hopper that allows for feeding entire plastic pallets. The shredder has a C-cutting system with replaceable blades and a 50-mm perforated screen that ensures 90% of the material is smaller than 40 mm. The shredder can process up to 5 tons of material per hour and is easy to maintain and service. The company’s managing director, Franz Kobleder, is satisfied with the shredder’s performance and recommends it to others.

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Swancor, a Taiwanese company, has entered the automotive industry by providing its technology to Geko, a Spanish startup, for their electric vehicle (EV) prototype. The vehicle’s fenders, bumpers, doors, and tailgate are made from Swancor’s thermoset resin, EzCiclo RH512, which contains at least 10% bio-based raw material. This material can be fully decomposed at 150°C for 4 hours using Swancor’s CleaVER liquid, generating no waste liquid or exhaust and reducing carbon footprint. The recycled liner fiber can be remade into yarn, while the recycled resin can be used after chemical modification. The Liux Geko concept reduces the CO2 footprint by 40% compared to efficient electric cars and up to 80% compared to gasoline SUVs. Swancor’s technology offers energy-efficient and sustainable solutions for the EV industry, with potential applications in EV body parts using liner fiber. The Liux Geko will be showcased at the JEC World event.

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Cobra International has won the prestigious 2025 JEC Innovation Award in the design, furniture & home category for its “Stylish and Recyclable Carbon Fibre Furniture” project. The company collaborated with Aditya Birla Group, Burapha University, Hankuk Carbon, and Luxara Design Studio to create a range of furniture that combines beautiful design and lower environmental impact. The collection features the Liana meeting table and Loop barstool, which showcase the strength of composites and the future potential of recyclable epoxy resins and production waste-derived raw materials. The furniture pieces use recyclable epoxy resins, production waste, and advanced materials, and are designed with sustainability in mind, aligning with Cobra’s long-term environmental goals.

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Researchers from Waseda University in Japan have developed a novel direct discharge electrical pulse method to efficiently and effectively separate carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) for recycling. The method uses Joule heat generation, thermal stress, and expansion force to separate the fibers, eliminating the need for high-temperature heating or chemicals. Compared to traditional methods, this approach preserves longer fibers with higher strength, and precisely separates individual fibers without residual resin. The technique also improves energy efficiency by at least a factor of 10, reducing environmental impact and promoting resource utilization.

This innovation has significant applications in recycling CFRP from spent aircraft components, automotive waste, and wind turbine blades, supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 9 and 12. The team’s goal is to make recycling more sustainable and reduce environmental impact. The direct discharge electrical pulse method has the potential to transform the recycling industry, enabling efficient resource recovery and promoting a more sustainable world.

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The platform does not collect email details, but questions and answers will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in line with their privacy principles. It is also important to avoid sharing confidential or sensitive information, and to read the full terms and conditions for more information. By using the Azthena platform, users agree to these terms and conditions.

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ExoTechnologies and Venture Dynamics have launched a fully recyclable wind turbine, the VX175, using ExoTechnologies’ natural fiber-reinforced thermoplastic Danu composite. The turbine is designed for commercial and industrial rooftops, offering an energy solution for manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and multistory buildings. The turbine features a vane shroud design that accelerates wind capture, optimizing power capture and delivering up to 3,000-5,000 kilowatt-hours annually. The omnidirectional design can capture wind from all directions, making it suitable for various climates. The turbine is also quiet, with a level of under 40 decibels, and has a projected levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of €0.05/kilowatt-hour. The use of Danu reduces waste, CO2 emissions, and improves structural integrity, while enhancing wind responsiveness and durability. The VX175 is set to debut in 2025 and is expected to set a new standard in renewable energy efficiency and versatility.

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ExoTechnologies, a sustainable composite materials company, has successfully tested its first fully recyclable motorcycle helmet made from its Danu composite material, a natural fiber-reinforced thermoplastic. Danu is an alternative to traditional carbon fiber, with similar mechanical properties, but outperforming in terms of sustainability, cost-efficiency, and scalability. The material has passed global standards testing, including FIM ECE2205 and DOT. Danu offers a 14% weight reduction, 275-G impact resistance, and complete recyclability, eliminating end-of-life landfill waste. The company sees it as a new standard for responsible innovation, with potential applications in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, sports equipment, renewable energy, and marine. According to Chief Innovation Officer Jeroen Wats, “Danu is evidence that high performance and sustainability are no longer mutually exclusive, redefining what’s possible across industries.”

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Composite Recycling, a Swiss company, has taken delivery of its first industrial-scale recycling unit, a thermolysis-based system designed to recycle carbon- and glass fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP and GFRP) into reclaimed fibers and pyrolysis oil. The unit, built by partner Fiberloop in Sweden, is now operational at Veolia in western France and is expected to recycle 2.4 tonnes of composite waste per day. Initial tests have yielded excellent results, particularly in terms of glass fiber recovery. The company’s mission is to deliver advanced composite recycling solutions and close the loop on composite waste. The recycling unit is a significant step towards achieving this goal and the company is seeking partnerships with organizations interested in recycling their composite waste.

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Mallinda Inc. has announced the commercial launch of Vitrimax VHM Resin, a revolutionary new material that combines the benefits of thermosets and thermoplastics. This new technology enables the production of high-performance composites that can be recycled and reused, making it a game-changer for sustainable manufacturing. The resin can be melted and reformed multiple times without losing its strength, and its molecular design allows for infinite recyclability. This technology also enables rapid part repair and field repairability, reducing waste and increasing durability. Key features of Vitrimax VHM include continuous recyclability, manufacturing flexibility, and self-healing properties. The technology has been validated in multiple academic studies and has already gained the attention of several Fortune 500 companies. Mallinda aims to achieve 100% recycling and reuse of production scrap and is targeting end-of-life circularity programs. With Vitrimax VHM, manufacturers can produce high-performance composites while reducing their environmental impact, making it a crucial innovation for sustainable manufacturing.

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Researchers at the University of Kansas and the University of Southern California have developed a biotechnological process to break down and remove the matrix from carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP), allowing the recovered carbon fiber plies to exhibit mechanical properties similar to those of virgin materials. The process involves a genetically modified fungus that can convert benzoic acid, a major matrix breakdown product, into a valuable chemical compound called OTA (2Z,4Z,6E)-octa-2,4,6-trienoic acid). This breakthrough could lead to the production of valuable chemicals with potential medical applications, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. The researchers plan to further improve the efficiency and scalability of the process, with the goal of applying it at the industrial scale. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the recycling of CFRP, which is currently considered a waste material.

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The summary of the content is as follows:

The US Department of Energy has announced a set of topic areas that support projects focused on sustainability and recyclability in the wind turbine industry. The three topics are:

Topic Area 1: Enabling Sustainable Wind Turbine Components: This topic aims to reduce the environmental impact of wind turbine components by developing designs and materials that are easier to recycle and reuse.

Topic Area 2: Enabling Wind Turbine Material Recycling and Reuse Processes: This topic aims to develop novel processing technologies and techniques to enhance the recyclability and sustainability of wind turbine materials.

Topic Area 3: Recycled and Recyclable Material Qualification: This topic aims to develop certification standards and characterization methodologies to qualify and certify new recycled materials for wind energy technologies.

The projects under these topic areas should demonstrate sustainability and recyclability advantages, cost reduction, proof of operational reliability, and improvements in sustainability. The topic areas are intended to de-risk innovative sustainable and recyclable wind turbine component designs and materials, accelerate broad commercial acceptance of these designs, and provide a path to commercial viability for wind energy sustainability.

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A new technology has been patented for “Decomposable and Recyclable Epoxy Thermosetting Resins” by Dr. Mahdi Abu-Omar, professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The novel epoxy resin is fully soluble on demand without high-energy processing and can be reformulated multiple times without losing its original properties. The technology is a bio-based alternative to BPA and uses a new approach to circularity, targeting the resin rather than the curing agent. The epoxy network can be dissolved in a solution of hydrogen chloride in water, making it a viable option for recycling.

The process involves reacting vanillin and aminophenol to create a BPA alternative, which is then reacted with epichlorohydrin to create a glycidyl ether resin. The resin can be cured with a commercially available hardener to create the final epoxy network. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the thermoset resins market, allowing for the recycling of carbon fiber composites and reducing waste sent to landfills and incinerators. The patent is available for sublicensing, and interested parties can contact John S. Casko Jr. at BFS Workhorse Consulting LLC for more information.

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