Eco conception
Why and how Reprocover is embracing eco-design
At Reprocover, we specialize in the development and production of custom-made products, primarily for road infrastructure and the railway sector, using revalorized composites. Our fully integrated approach spans from collecting composite waste (epoxy, polyester, with or without glass fiber) to manufacturing products and recycling them. This ensures traceability, minimizes costs, and achieves true material circularity.
This is our response to a significant challenge: the massive amounts of mixed composites and plastics that go unrecycled. Rather than relying on virgin materials, we transform this untapped resource into valuable, sustainable products.
As paul hawken wisely said, “recycling will not be effective until we can consume responsibly.”
Why focus on circularity for composites?
- The mechanical properties of composites should not be lost
today, most composites are incinerated or sent to landfills. Yet, composites have exceptional advantages—they’re strong, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight. These properties make them ideal for applications like wind turbine blades, car parts, boats, and airplanes. Their durability and reduced weight also make them more sustainable during their use phase. However, their end-of-life challenges have limited reuse options. At Reprocover, we address this gap by creating new products that retain these benefits using only recycled composites. - The challenge of composites
traditional composites are durable and lightweight but notoriously difficult to recycle. This challenge inspired the creation of Reprocover. - Process innovation
we’ve developed advanced methods to recycle thermosetting composites and turn them into high-quality, circular products. - Balancing environment and cost
while price competitiveness remains challenging, reducing our materials’ environmental footprint gives us a meaningful and strategic advantage.
Why perform a life cycle assessment (lca)?
- Understanding and improving
an lca allows us to analyze our environmental impact, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate our progress to stakeholders. - Collaborating with experts
partnering with uliège has helped us establish a robust, commercially viable lca methodology tailored to our needs. - Material choices matter most
our studies reveal that material selection has the most significant impact on lca results. This insight drives us to explore improved binding agents, starting with virgin materials and progressing to recycled alternatives.
Concrete actions for circularity
- Targeting high-value markets
we’re expanding into markets with higher value-added potential, such as heavy-duty infrastructure and specialized industrial applications. - European collaborations
participating in European region initiatives and industry cluster projects supports our sustainability goals. - Lca-guided decisions
we use lca results to inform and refine our product development process. - Researching recycled binding agents
ongoing studies into recycled binders have shown multiple benefits:- Enhanced environmental performance
- Improved mechanical properties
- Better cost-effectiveness
These findings have allowed us to adjust both processes and materials for existing products.
Eco-design at the core
- Developing new materials
we are introducing materials with superior properties that remain recyclable. - Optimizing product design
we reduce material usage while maintaining high functionality. - Streamlined recycling processes
avoiding material blending simplifies recycling and enhances circularity. - Simulation and optimization
working with sirris, gdtech, and uliège, we optimize material performance, product design, and cost efficiency. - Enhanced usability
our designs aim for easy installation, minimizing errors and risks in new market entries.
Looking ahead
At Reprocover, we are constantly learning and evolving. The future holds great potential as we continue to innovate and collaborate with experts, enabling us to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
If you’re searching for solutions for composite waste or sustainable, durable products, we’re here to explore these opportunities with you.
Together, we’re paving the way for a more sustainable, circular future—one composite at a time.
#ecoconception, #composite, #sustainabledesign, #ecodesign, #ökodesign, #sustainability, #Reprocover, #CircularEconomy
