Designing reverse supply networks for carbon fibres: Enabling cross-sectoral circular economy pathways

Carbon fibre reinforced polymer is a widely used material in engineering applications and expected to be extensively the transportation sector due its light-weight properties. It high value, energy intensive material, which mostly landfilled at End-of-life, however, it could potentially recycled replace virgin different sectors. Therefore, considering also significant amounts of End-of-life aircrafts automotive future, imperative identify circular economy pathways for this waste stream. This study investigates feasibility cross-sectoral pathway carbon thermal recycling proposes four-tier reverse supply chain network aeronautic sector. A novel MILP optimisation model developed, order optimise structure minimise costs proposed design problem with an end-to-end scope. The applied geographical context Europe, 2023 2050. results indicate that optimum relatively centralised processing facilities central Europe. economically viable; process even more attractive when resin too.