CompositeCircle

Glass Fibre Composite Recycling for Sustainable Future

Decommissioned wind turbines are a growing burden on landfills, as the glass fiber-reinforced polymer composite (GFRC) used in turbine blades is very difficult to recycle. Solutions to this growing problem are being developed in the international CompositeCircle project, led by Centria. The goal is to create a functional and economically viable operating model for the Baltic Sea region.

The project focuses on building value chains for raw materials and developing methods such as solvolysis, which separates glass fibers and resins from GFRC materials. These recovered materials are to be reused in industries such as cement and composite manufacturing, returning valuable raw materials to circulation and reducing the environmental impact.

By combining regional expertise and resources, we are able to develop recycling solutions that are not only technically feasible but also economically and environmentally sustainable. The goal is for composite waste to become a usable raw material in the future, rather than a problem, says project manager Eemeli Seppänen from Centria.

Finally, the developed solutions will be implemented through a guide, recommendations, and training sessions. The goal is to establish lasting recycling practices, reduce waste management costs, and create new business opportunities. The CompositeCircle project will be carried out from 2025 to 2028 with a total budget of €2.92 million, of which €2.33 million is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The project involves 12 partners from six countries. Centria, as an expert in recycling and the circular economy, serves as the main coordinator.