A pioneering project delivered through the Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials and Sustainability (CEAMS) has received national recognition after winning the Sustainability and Circularity Award at the Composites UK Industry Awards.
Working with partners Cygnet Texkimp, SHD Composites, NCC and Teledyne CML Composites, the project achieved a world-first demonstration of an aerospace component manufactured using prepreg material made from 100% recycled continuous carbon fibre.
The achievement represents a significant breakthrough in sustainable manufacturing, showing how advanced materials innovation can reduce waste, lower carbon emissions and strengthen domestic supply chains without compromising performance.
Testing demonstrated that the recycled carbon fibre material achieved strength and stiffness comparable to equivalent virgin fibre systems. Importantly, the materials were processed and manufactured using established industrial routes, providing a realistic pathway towards commercial adoption.
The project also demonstrated the potential for carbon savings of up to 80% compared with virgin carbon fibre production, helping address both environmental and supply chain challenges facing UK manufacturing.
As a founding partner of CEAMS, Rochdale Development Agency helped establish an innovation asset that now forms part of the wider Atom Valley ecosystem. This award highlights the strength of collaboration, research excellence and advanced manufacturing capability being developed across Atom Valley.
To find out more about the award and CEAMS’ award-winning work in sustainability and circularity, visit the Composites UK Industry Awards website or read the full winning case study.
