Polymer Chemistry

Recycling of Composites and Sustainability

Recycling also conserves resources and protects the environment. Environmental benefits include reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and combustion facilities; conserving natural resources, such as timber, water and minerals; and preventing pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials. By reducing wastes, recycling also conserves natural resources, protects natural ecosystems, and encourages biological diversity, all of which enhance the long run sustainability of the biosphere. Waste is simply energy that has been transformed, but not used, in the process of doing something useful. Sustainability in their use phase is often a key driver for the selection of composites over traditional materials. Composite structures deliver a long service life combined with low maintenance requirements, and lightweight composites result in lower energy consumption throughout a product's life.