Summary:

Achieving circularity in composites is essential for advancing sustainability in material usage and manufacturing. By addressing the complexities of composite materials, exploring innovative recycling techniques, and fostering collaboration across the value chain, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future. Avient's products and services play a pivotal role in supporting these strategies and driving the transition toward circular composites.

Who should attend:

Designers, Engineers, and Material Scientists Focused on Product Development.

What you will learn:

There are multiple challenges and opportunities in achieving circularity for composites, from learning the principles of circular economy to applying them to composite materials. The seminar will delve into technical and business hurdles, market diversity in sustainable composite development, and innovative solutions for these challenges.

1. Complexity of Composite Materials:
   • Discuss the multi-material nature of composites and their impact on recycling.
   • Highlight the need for innovative separation techniques to address this complexity.
2. Variety of Resins and Fibers:
   • Examine the recycling challenges posed by different types of resins and fibers.
   • Explore potential solutions for recycling diverse composite materials.
   • Investigate the role of standardization in resin and fiber types to simplify the recyling process.
3. Material Chemistry and Dimensions:
   • Analyze how the chemical composition and dimensions of composites affect recyclability.
   • Suggest approaches to standardize materials for easier recycling.
4. End-of-Life Considerations:
   • Evaluate the sustainability of various end-of-life options for composites.
   • Propose strategies for extending the life cycle of composite products to delay recycling needs.
   • Discuss the importance of designing composites with recyclability in mind from the outset.

How Avient can help:

Below are five strategies that manufacturers can use to achieve circularity with composites, along with the relevant Avient solutions that can help.

1. Chemical Recycling: Advanced recycling methods like pyrolysis and solvolysis break down composite materials into their constituent parts.
   • Avient can support this strategy through its expertise in material science and additives that enhance the recyclability of composites.
2. Mechanical Recycling: Post-industrial composite waste can be used as filler in new compounded polymers.
   • Avient Advanced Composites and Specialty Engineered Materials groups work together to turn manufacturing waste into eco-friendly product solutions.
3. Repurposing: Creating alternative uses for composite materials instead of traditional recycling to extend their life cycle.
   • Avient's services include material selection and design support to help identify repurposing opportunities for composite materials.
4. Collaboration Across the Value Chain: To create a sustainable loop for composite materials requires collaboration among manufacturers, recyclers, and end-users.
   • Avient's Specialty Engineered Materials, Advanced Composites, and Color, Additives, and Inks divisions provide a collaboration platform for value chain partners to advance circular composite development.
5. Dedicated Resources and Investment: Manufacturers need to allocate resources and investment to develop and implement circular solutions for composites.
   • Avient provides technical support and innovation services that help companies make intelligent investments in circular composites solutions.