GOALS FOR CompositeCircle
Decommissioned wind turbines are a growing burden on landfills, as the glass fiber-reinforced polymer composite (GFRC) used in turbine blades is challenging to recycle. Solutions for this problem are being developed in the international CompositeCircle project. The aim is to create an economically viable model of operation 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. The goal is to reuse these materials in industries such as cement and composite manufacturing, thus returning valuable raw materials to circulation and reducing environmental impact.
“By combining regional expertise and resources, we can develop recycling solutions that are not only technically feasible but also economically and environmentally sustainable. Our goal is to turn composite waste into a usable raw material instead of a problem,” says project manager Eemeli Seppänen from Centria.
Finally, the developed solutions will be implemented through a guidebook, recommendations, and training programs. The objective is to establish permanent 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, with Centria as the expert in recycling and the circular economy will act the main coordinator.
