Wind turbine blades are typically made of several layers of glass or carbon fibre infused with a liquid plastic resin or epoxy. This creates a composite material that is strong and durable - as well as challenging to recycle. Researchers at Aarhus University in Denmark have successfully conducted a proof-of-concept chemical recycling experiment during which they were able to "break down the epoxy material to recover both the plastic’s building blocks and the glass fibres inside without damaging either." https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/05/02/1072520/how-chemists-could-give-new-life-to-old-wind-turbine-blades/
The apparel industry (production) accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions - more than annual aviation and maritime shipping combined. Worse, this resource is not recycled. It is estimated 90% of apparel is disposed of through incineration or landfill. Part of the challenge is waste stream sorting. But the world's first Smart thread, using RFID technology, could help make the invisible lives of discarded clothing more transparent, trackable and useful. https://circlolink.com/circlolink-news/f/intro-by-chris-hurren-institute-frontier-materials-deakin-uni
