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The fiberglass recycling market size is estimated to grow by USD 543.2 million at a CAGR of 6.4% between 2023 and 2028. The market is witnessing significant growth due to the emphasis on eco-friendly practices for resource efficiency. Fiberglass, a popular material in various industries including wind energy, construction, and transportation, poses a challenge in terms of recycling due to its complex composition. In the wind energy sector, recycling fiberglass from wind turbine generator is a trending topic as the decommissioning of wind farms presents a vast amount of waste. However, challenges persist in the form of high costs associated with the separation of fiberglass from other materials and the lack of established recycling infrastructure. Innovative methods, such as pyrolysis and mechanical processes, are being explored to address these challenges and create a circular economy for fiberglass.
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The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million " for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018 - 2022 for the following segments.
The construction segment will account for a major share of the market's growth during the forecast period.?Fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), specifically glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), has gained significant traction in various industries, including building and construction and transportation, due to its strength and durability. However, the generation of FRP waste is a growing concern, leading to an increasing demand for recycling technologies. Recycling FRP waste not only contributes to landfill waste reduction and circular economy initiatives but also addresses plastic pollution. Recycling methods include mechanical, thermal, and chemical processes. Mechanical recycling involves the reprocessing of FRP waste into new products using the same material.
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The construction segment was valued at USD 402.90 billion in 2018. Thermal recycling, such as pyrolysis, converts FRP waste into synthetic oil and carbon black, which can be used as fuel or raw materials. Chemical recycling, on the other hand, breaks down the polymer matrix to produce monomers or oligomers, which can be reused to produce new FRP. The engineering sector, particularly the automotive industry, is exploring the use of recycled fiberglass composites in lightweight vehicles and electric vehicles. Green building initiatives also utilize recycled fiberglass in insulation and roofing materials. However, high recycling costs and waste disposal regulations hinder the widespread adoption of recycling technologies. Fiberglass types, such as Woven Roving, have various recycling applications. Mechanical recycling can produce new fiberglass mats for insulation or roofing, while thermal recycling can generate synthetic oil for use in manufacturing new fiberglass composites. Chemical recycling can produce monomers for the production of new fiberglass resins. In the building and construction sector, recycled fiberglass mats are used extensively for roofing due to their cost-effectiveness and versatility. These mats are available in a wide range of colors and styles, making them suitable for various architectural designs and neighborhood aesthetics. Thicker architectural shingles can even mimic the look of wood or slate, providing homeowners with more design options. In conclusion, recycling FRP waste is crucial for reducing landfill waste, promoting circular economy initiatives, and mitigating plastic pollution. The use of recycled fiberglass composites in various industries, including building and construction and transportation, offers numerous benefits, including cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and increased design flexibility. However, the high costs of recycling and waste disposal regulations pose challenges that need to be addressed to promote widespread adoption of recycling technologies.
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APAC is estimated to contribute 36% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. The Fiberglass market encompasses various applications, including Thermoplastic Fiberglass, Wind Energy, Aerospace and Defense, and others. In Wind Energy, the high fiberglass content composites are extensively used in the production of wind turbine blades. The Aerospace and Defense industry relies on medium and low fiberglass content composites for manufacturing aircraft parts and defense components. Recycling methods for fiberglass are gaining traction due to the increasing environmental concerns. Surface Mats, a popular recycling method, involves collecting and processing fiberglass waste to produce new raw materials. Other methods include pyrolysis and mechanical shredding. The recycled fiberglass can be used to manufacture new composites, reducing the dependence on virgin raw materials.
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
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Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024 |
6.1 |
Fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), also known as glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP,) is a composite material with significant applications in the building and construction and transportation sectors. However, the end-of-life management of FRP waste is a growing concern due to increasing environmental awareness and waste disposal regulations. The recycling of fiberglass, a key component of FRP, is gaining traction as a solution to reduce landfill waste and address plastic pollution. Recycling technologies such as mechanical, thermal, and chemical methods are being explored for fiberglass recycling. Mechanical recycling involves the reprocessing of waste FRP into new products, while thermal recycling uses high temperatures to convert fiberglass waste into synthetic oil or fuel. Chemical recycling, on the other hand, breaks down the polymer matrix to produce monomers for the production of new fiberglass. The circular economy and renewable materials are driving the demand for recycled fiberglass in various applications, including the engineering sector. Despite the potential benefits, high recycling costs and the availability of different fiberglass types pose challenges to the market. The recycling industry must continue to innovate and develop cost-effective and efficient recycling technologies to meet the growing demand for sustainable waste management solutions.
Emphasis on eco-friendly practices for resource efficiency is notably driving market growth. The Fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) recycling market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing focus on sustainable practices in various industries. Glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) waste generation is a major concern in sectors like building and construction and transportation. Recycling technologies are being adopted to minimize waste and promote a circular economy.
Furthermore, mechanical, thermal, and chemical recycling methods are being employed to convert FRP waste into valuable recycled materials. The engineering sector is embracing closed-loop recycling systems to reduce fiberglass waste and promote the use of renewable materials. Regulations on waste disposal and plastic pollution are driving the demand for recycling, with applications ranging from lightweight vehicles and electric vehicles to green building initiatives. Despite high recycling costs, fiberglass types like woven roving are finding new applications in recycling, contributing to the growth of the market. Thus, such factors are driving the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Methods for recycling fiberglass from wind turbines is the key trend in the market. The market is experiencing substantial growth, particularly in the area of recycling fiberglass from wind turbines. Innovative recycling technologies are being introduced to promote sustainability and operational efficiency. For instance, a new facility in Fairfax, US, recently debuted a groundbreaking turbine blade recycling process. This state-of-the-art facility utilizes a patent-pending technology to process around 12 tons of turbine blades per hour. The process entails shredding the blades and separating non-recyclable components, resulting in a fiberglass composite. This composite can be transformed into various forms, including powder and different sizes, catering to a wide range of industrial applications. In the building and construction sector, recycled glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) is increasingly being used due to its environmental benefits and cost savings. Similarly, in the transportation industry, the demand for lightweight vehicles and electric vehicles is driving the need for recycled fiberglass composites. The circular economy is gaining traction as a solution to plastic pollution, and recycled materials are becoming increasingly important. Recycling technologies, such as pyrolysis, chemical recycling, and mechanical recycling, are being employed to reduce landfill waste and adhere to waste disposal regulations. Closed-loop recycling systems are being developed to minimize the environmental impact of fiberglass waste.
Furthermore, fiberglass composites, including woven roving, are being used in various industries, including engineering, due to their strength and durability. Despite the advantages of recycling, high recycling costs and the variety of fiberglass types and applications present challenges. Mechanical recycling, thermal recycling, and chemical recycling are the primary recycling methods used for fiberglass. Renewable materials are also being explored as alternatives to fiberglass composites to further reduce environmental impact. In conclusion, the global market is witnessing significant advancements, with a focus on sustainable and efficient recycling processes. The recycling of fiberglass from wind turbines is a notable development, with new technologies enabling the processing of large volumes of fiberglass composite waste. The recycled materials are finding applications in various industries, including building and construction, transportation, and engineering, contributing to the circular economy and waste reduction initiatives. Thus, such trends will shape the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Challenges in recycling wind turbine blades is the major challenge that affects the growth of the market. Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), also known as glass-fiber reinforced plastic, is extensively used in various industries, including building and construction and transportation, due to its strength and durability. However, the end-of-life management of FRP waste remains a significant challenge. The recycling of FRP waste is essential for promoting a circular economy and reducing plastic pollution. Recycling technologies, such as mechanical recycling, thermal recycling, and chemical recycling, are being explored to address this challenge. Mechanical recycling involves the reprocessing of waste materials into new products, while thermal recycling includes methods like pyrolysis and incineration.
Furthermore, chemical recycling, on the other hand, breaks down the plastic into its chemical components for reuse. Despite the challenges, the demand for recycled materials in the engineering sector is increasing due to renewable materials' growing popularity and waste disposal regulations. Fiberglass composites, such as woven roving, are widely used in lightweight vehicles, including electric vehicles, and green building initiatives. However, the high recycling costs and the complexity of recycling fiberglass types hinder the widespread adoption of recycling methods. The recycling of fiberglass waste, particularly wind turbine blades, is a notable challenge due to their large size. Approximately 90% of wind turbine components are easily recyclable, but the blades, which are constructed from fiberglass reinforced with epoxy resin, present a significant obstacle due to their durability. The circular economy's success relies on the development of closed-loop recycling systems and the optimization of recycling methods for various fiberglass types to ensure the efficient and cost-effective recycling of FRP waste.
The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the market forecast report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.
Customer Landscape
Fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), specifically glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), is a key material in various industries such as building and construction and transportation. However, the end-of-life management of FRP waste is a growing concern due to the increasing production and usage of these materials. Recycling technologies have emerged as a viable solution to address the environmental challenges posed by FRP waste. The recycling market for fiberglass is expected to experience significant growth due to the demand for recycled materials in various applications. The building and construction sector is a major consumer of recycled fiberglass, using it in the production of new FRP products. The engineering sector also utilizes recycled fiberglass in the manufacturing of lightweight vehicles and electric vehicles. The recycling methods for fiberglass include mechanical recycling, thermal recycling, and chemical recycling. Mechanical recycling involves the reprocessing of waste FRP into new products using methods such as shredding and melting.
Furthermore, thermal recycling, also known as pyrolysis, involves the thermal decomposition of FRP waste to produce synthetic gas and other valuable by-products. Chemical recycling, on the other hand, involves the chemical breakdown of FRP waste to produce raw materials that can be used in the production of new fiberglass composites. The circular economy is a driving force behind the growth of the market. The use of recycled materials in place of virgin materials reduces plastic pollution and landfill waste, aligning with waste disposal regulations and green building initiatives. However, high recycling costs and the complexity of recycling different fiberglass types remain challenges to the growth of the market. In conclusion, the recycling of fiberglass composites is an essential component of the circular economy, offering solutions for the end-of-life management of FRP waste.
Moreover, despite the potential benefits, high recycling costs and the availability of different fiberglass types pose challenges to the market. The recycling industry must continue to innovate and develop cost-effective and efficient recycling technologies to meet the growing demand for sustainable waste management solutions, ultimately supporting broader goals in biotechnology and environmental sustainability.
Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
212 |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018 - 2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 6.4% |
Market growth 2024-2028 |
USD 543.2 million |
Regional analysis |
APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa |
Performing market contribution |
APAC at 36% |
Key countries |
US, China, Germany, Canada, and Japan |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
Adesso Advanced Materials, Borealis AG, Carbon Rivers Inc., Eco Wolf Inc., European Metal Recycling Ltd., Gen 2 Carbon Ltd., General Kinematics Corp., Global Fiberglass Solutions Inc., Johns Manville Corp, Neowa GmbH, Owens Corning, ReFiber ApS, Sinoma Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Strategic Materials Inc., Toray Industries Inc., Veolia Environnement SA, Vestas Wind Systems AS, and WindEurope VZW ASBL |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, AI impact on market trends, COVID -19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, market condition analysis for the forecast period |
Customization purview |
If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
1 Executive Summary
2 Technavio Analysis
3 Market Landscape
4 Market Sizing
5 Historic Market Size
6 Qualitative Analysis
7 Five Forces Analysis
8 Market Segmentation by End-user
9 Market Segmentation by Type
10 Customer Landscape
11 Geographic Landscape
12 Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunity/Restraints
13 Competitive Landscape
14 Competitive Analysis
15 Appendix
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