EuCIA has published new estimates on the potential volume of composites waste available for recycling in Europe. While the total volume of thermoset composites waste generated in 2025 is predicted at around 914 kt, the actual amount accessible for recycling is likely to be closer to 228 kt, or about 25% of the theoretical amount. Currently, only a maximum of 5% of this waste is being recycled.

The lower accessible volume is due to factors such as exports for reuse outside Europe, composites embedded in infrastructure, and limited collection and sorting systems. EuCIA underlines that building a robust European value chain and infrastructure is essential to increase collection and enable recycling on a larger scale.

This data will feed into the work of the European Circular Composites Alliance (ECCA), launched by EuCIA with JEC earlier this year. ECCA aims to address legal, economic and technical barriers to composites recycling, advocate for dedicated waste codes, and support the development of markets for secondary composites. EBI has joined ECCA representing the recreational boating industry.

Further details are available in the new EuCIA publication Reimagining end-of-use composites as a new resource.