- The plant in Imola is expected to produce 160 tonnes of recycled carbon fibre annually.
- The project received €2.2M from the EU and a total investment of €8M.
- The Hera Group collaborated with the University of Bologna and Curti Costruzioni Meccaniche.
- The plant uses a pyrogasification process to regenerate carbon fibre.
Overview
The Hera Group has inaugurated a pioneering carbon fibre recycling plant in Imola, Italy. This facility is the first of its kind in Europe to operate on an industrial scale, focusing on recycling carbon fibre composites to reduce environmental impact. The plant is expected to produce 160 tonnes of recycled carbon fibre annually, achieving a 75% energy saving compared to producing virgin fibre.
Investment and Funding
The total investment for the Imola plant amounts to €8 million, with €2.2 million funded by the European Union under the NextGenerationEU initiative. This funding supports the innovative technology and strategic importance of the materials processed at the plant.
Technological Collaboration
The development of the plant involved collaboration with the University of Bologna's Department of Industrial Chemistry and Curti Costruzioni Meccaniche, a company specializing in industrial machinery. This partnership facilitated the creation of a pyrogasification process to regenerate carbon fibre, maintaining its original lightness and strength.
Strategic Importance
The regenerated carbon fibre is suitable for various high-performance applications, including automotive, aerospace, and textiles. The plant supports the circular economy by reducing reliance on virgin fibre and minimizing environmental impact. This initiative aligns with the broader trend of increasing demand for sustainable materials and reinforces the region's role in material recovery and circular solutions.
