One of the greatest challenges facing the plastics industry today is its ECO-transformation. Increasing emphasis is being placed on responsible management of both raw materials and production processes. The goal of these efforts is to minimize the negative impact on the natural environment – a necessity rather than a choice in the face of global climate change.
Environmental responsibility and sustainable development are currently among the most important trends clearly shaping the composite industry. A perfect example was this year’s JEC 2025 event, where many manufacturers showcased their innovations – from recycled fibers and BIOcomposites to technologies that significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions during production.
Experts in the composite market identify four key areas where a real reduction in the environmental impact of composite materials is possible:
Resin systems
Currently, the vast majority of components used in the production of resins and their additives are petroleum-derived. The goal of the composite industry is to use components with the highest possible content of BIO-based materials. Many companies, including those in the sports industry, have successfully implemented products containing up to 20% natural-origin components. However, ambitions go much further, with the target standard aiming for 100% BIO-based content. The main challenge remains the availability of suitable raw materials, as well as ensuring their consistency and quality on an industrial scale.
Reinforcements
The market for reinforcements used in composite materials has seen significant growth in recent years due to both availability and the quality of materials offered. Increasingly, companies are choosing to replace standard fibers with alternatives that have a lower environmental impact. In this area, flax, hemp, jute, and other natural fibers are particularly noteworthy. The use of such fibers is especially growing in the sports and marine industries.
Energy
Next to raw materials, the energy used in the composite manufacturing process is the most critical factor determining a product’s environmental impact. Reducing the amount of energy needed and sourcing it from renewable sources are the main development directions for all modern companies in the composite materials sector.
Waste reduction
Waste generated during both production and use of composite elements is one of the main barriers to the wider adoption of these materials. This is due to the long natural decomposition time of individual components and the limited recyclability of these materials. Therefore, reducing waste is essential – not only at the end-user level, but more importantly during the preparation of components and semi-finished products, as well as during manufacturing.
In response to these needs, New Era Materials – a manufacturer of prepregs, composites, and components produced using 3D printing technology – is consistently implementing a responsible development strategy. Aware of the challenges associated with the environmental aspects of plastics, we are developing a range of BIO materials. The launch of the first product NEMpreg.BIO7540 is coming soon – watch us, because this is just the beginning of the changes we are making!
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