Manufacturing Today Issue - 226 July 2024 | Page 95

_____________________________________ Exel
Composites
... Exel partnered with the Kimura project in Finland , which spearheads the development of a circular economy model for composite products
Composite materials present a significant challenge for recycling initiatives due to their complex composition and structure , which makes separation difficult , especially considering the strong bonding between the components . To address this , Exel partnered with the Kimura project in Finland , which spearheads the development of a circular economy model for composite products by implementing open-loop recycling techniques to transform composite waste into cement . Exel contributes actively to further develop this process and provides waste in the form of composite materials that Kimura can efficiently crush and utilize for cement production through co-processing , without generating any residual ash . Manufacturing cement using alternative fuels and raw materials enables energy recovery , as the organic components in the resins generate heat energy during combustion . This reduces the reliance on fossil fuels in cement kiln operations , as well as reducing the need for virgin raw materials as the waste glass fibers replace them .
Exel ’ s R & D expertise , collaborative approach , and global footprint sets it apart from the competition . Its composite solutions help customers save resources , reduce products ’ weight , improve performance and energy efficiency , and decrease total lifetime costs . Exel strives to be the first choice for sustainable composite solutions globally . ■
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