Founded in 2021, Swiss clean technology company Composite Recycling (Composite) has developed a pyrolysis process and post-processing method that can separate the fiberglass from the resin in fiberglass reinforced plastic (GFRP), thereby recycling the fiberglass. The recycled fibers can be put into the production of new composite materials, thereby realizing the recycling of GFRP.

Glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) is a composite of fiberglass and resin. It is lightweight and low-cost. It can be used in almost all fields including ship hulls, wind turbine blades, printed circuit boards, automotive parts, train bodies, etc. It is also very durable. However, this composite material has always been non-recyclable. Existing technology cannot separate resin and fiber, so it can only be disposed of by landfill or incineration, which has a serious impact on the environment.

Composite has developed a pyrolysis process and post-processing method that can separate the fiberglass from the resin in GFRP, thereby recycling the fiberglass. The recycled fiber can be put into the production of new composite materials, realizing the closed-loop recycling of GFRP.

Composite's proprietary static pyrolysis process and post-processing technology heats the composite material in an oxygen-free environment to separate the fiberglass and resin for recycling. Because of the oxygen-free heating, the resin evaporates without burning. When the generated steam condenses, pyrolysis oil is formed, which can be used to synthesize different types of decarbonized plastics and, in some cases, resins. At the same time, the gases released during the pyrolysis process can be reused to power the pyrolysis process, making the recycling process more economical and energy-efficient.

Composite uses a fixed thermal reactor. By precisely calibrating its reactor, Composite can tailor the recycled fiberglassspecifications to meet the requirements of composite manufacturers for re-production and maximize the quality and consistency of recycled fiberglass, pyrolysis oil and gas.