From the extraction of natural fibers to the recycling of components at the end of their life cycle.

The consideration of a closed value chain for natural fiber composites is the main objective of the LaNDER³ partnership:

Fully in line with this cradle-to-cradle philosophy, researchers in impulse project 3 - Energy recovery are currently investigating the form in which natural fiber composites (NFRP) can be put to subsequent energy recovery through thermal recycling, either at the end of their useful life or as production residues from the fiber composites.

In contrast to material recycling, which is the preferred option but cannot always be achieved effectively (see impulse project 7), thermal recycling is used to produce gas, which can be used to generate fuel, heat or electricity, for example.

Studies on the gasification of NFK waste have now been started in impulse project 3.
Together with the Görlitz-based company MultiFuel Conversion GmbH, tests are being carried out on the combustion of natural fiber composite waste in a fixed-bed gasifier.
The resulting gas will then be examined in the new series of tests to determine its components and suitability for use in the production of process heat or electricity.