Report reveals whole lifecycle approach needed to improve £4bn composites sector

• 110,000 tonnes of composites are produced in the UK every year – but recycling is a problem with just 6% of these materials reused
• Demand for composites expected to rocket thanks to their use in green sectors – including in production of electric cars, hydrogen fuel storage and wind turbines
• Research conducted by us, the National Composites Centre and CPI outlines the chemistry-based solutions needed for Britain to meet net zero targets

“While we are encouraged by the progress already under way, our research with the NCC and CPI shows there is still considerable work to be done to ensure our new green infrastructure is built in the most environmentally friendly way possible. If we are to reach net zero and develop a circular economy, as we must, joined-up thinking across academics, political figures and bodies, and the business community is needed.”

Composites are valuable because they offer strength at a fraction of the weight of steel – while being both incredibly robust and adaptable. Their strength to weight properties are key to their role in wind energy, which requires large turbine blades, and in transport, where lighter vehicles require less fuel.

While the technologies created by composites are helping the UK to reach its climate goals, there are sustainability challenges at both ends of the lifecycle at present. More than 95% of FRPs are made from fossil fuel derivatives, which introduces new carbon into the environment. At end of life, a mere 6% are reused in secondary applications, with the rest incinerated or landfilled.

We, the NCC and CPI have examined the current sustainability issues posed by these materials and identified possible solutions in a new report. The Chemistry-enabled sustainable composites report contains a list of 19 different chemistry-focused opportunities split across six themes:

• Integrating with the bioeconomy
• Adopting waste and circular economy approaches
• Designing end-of-life strategies
• Improving the energy efficiency of manufacturing
• Adopting digital and computational chemistry approaches
• Government policy agenda for sustainable materials

NCC Chief Executive Richard Oldfield said: “Composites already play an important role in driving decarbonisation due to being lightweight, strong and durable. Their unique properties make them a critical enabler in delivering a secure and sustainable future.

“The UK has the opportunity to take the lead in the development of sustainable composites, but we need to act now, together. This report highlights the important steps that we can take to redefine a new generation of products that will create a greener, cleaner future for all.”

CPI Director of Future Business Tom Taylor added: ‘’It’s vital that academia, businesses, and government come together to accelerate the development of green methods to produce composites and to enable sustainable end of life solutions. These important materials are the building blocks of our future green economy, so they need to be environmentally benign.”

We and our two partners have also penned a three-point action plan, with us committing to championing new research and promoting skills development. The NCC and CPI – which collectively form the Sustainable Composites partnership – have pledged to encourage collaboration between different peer groups to progress the most promising and sustainable solutions.

Emerging and real-world solutions to the sustainability challenges posed by FRPs are also highlighted in the report. Innovations from Arkema, Gurit, Molydyn, Solvay and Trillium Renewable Chemicals are all presented via a series of case studies. Molydyn’s simulation technology could help more chemistry students conduct cost-effective and innovative research, while Solvay and Trillium are able to economically produce acrylonitrile at scale from plant-based feedstocks.

Read our report and learn more about the need for sustainable composites