Abstract
Transformation of waste into resources is an important part of the circular economy. Nowadays, the recovery of materials in the most effective way is crucial for sustainable development. Composite materials offer great opportunities for product development and high performance in use, but their position in a circular economy system remains challenging, especially in terms of material recovery. Currently, the methods applied for recycling composites are not always effective. The aim of the article is to analyse the most important methods of material recovery from multilateral composites. The manuscript presents three case studies related to the recycling of products manufactured from composites: used tyres, wind turbine blades, and solar panels. It shows the advantages and disadvantages of currently applied methods for multilateral composite utilisation and presents further trends in composite recycling. The results show that increasing volumes of end-of-life composites have led to increased attention from government, industry, and academia.
Highlights
Nowadays, the circular economy (CE) is considered a key economic model for many European countries
The circular economy (CE) is considered a key economic model for many European countries. It was introduced as an economy action plan by the European Commission in 2015 and quickly became a leading initiative [1,2]
The concept of the circular economy is based on new approaches to manufacturing and using the goods
Summary
The circular economy (CE) is considered a key economic model for many European countries. The concept itself dates to 1966 [3,4] This model helps to meet the challenge of sustainable development; achieve resource-efficiency; stimulate Europe’s boosted global competitiveness, especially through proportion eco-innovation; and generate new jobs [4,5]. The concept of the circular economy is based on new approaches to manufacturing and using the goods. -called linear economy, the following steps are generally implemented: development, consumption (introduction products to the market, growth, maturity, decline), and disposal of materials/products [6,7]. The transformation of the linear model to circular approaches helps to achieve global sustainability and to minimalise the pressure on natural resources [1,6]. It helps to create green growth, especially through complementary activities, including eco-innovation and resource efficiency [1,8]
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