Aimplas: “Implicit” Project Develops Recycling Pathways for Auxiliary Materials from Composite Manufacturing

The research project “Implicit” is developing recycling strategies for single-use auxiliary materials generated during the production of composite materials. The focus is on waste streams such as vacuum bags, release films, and technical fabrics, which are currently often landfilled or sent for energy recovery. The aim is to convert these materials into new raw materials for high-value applications in the automotive industry, technical textiles, and urban furniture.

The project brings together the companies Solteco as project coordinator, Birziplastik, Faperin, and Industrias Alegre, as well as the technology centers Aimplas, Eurecat, Tecnalia, and Leartiker. Aimplas is responsible for the technical management of the project. The initiative is supported by AEMAC, the Spanish composites association, and Airbus as a strategic partner, providing real waste materials from aircraft manufacturing.

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Technically, “Implicit” relies on a multimodal recycling approach. It combines mechanical processes such as shredding, separation, and extrusion with physical recycling using selective solvent-based processes, as well as chemical recycling methods such as solvolysis. The objective is to recover thermoplastic polymers including PA, PET, PE, and PP while reducing resin contamination.

A key focus is industrial validation. The recycled materials will be used in demonstrators such as technical automotive components, profiles for urban furniture, and multifilaments for technical textiles. In addition, the project will evaluate the developed solutions through life-cycle assessments and life-cycle cost analyses.

“Implicit” is funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through CDTI and by the European Regional Development Fund. The project reference number is CPP2023-010867.

More information: www.aimplas.es

Aimplas, Valencia, Spanien