(Translated with MistralAI without further editing)
© MAICarbon
With ReFiberTech, a new cross-cluster project has been launched to specifically advance the development of circular solutions for fiber composite materials. The accompanying expert forum highlighted that sustainable composites offer great potential but also require new approaches in design, processes, and applications. ReFiberTech addresses these challenges by bringing together relevant stakeholders to accelerate the transfer of innovations into practice.
NEUSTADT A. D. DONAU | 03.31.2026
The expert forum “Materials in Dialogue: Biocomposites and CFRP Between Opportunities and Practice” marked the successful launch of the ReFiberTech cross-cluster project. Together with the Chemie-Cluster Bayern and Umweltcluster Bayern, MAI Carbon aims to pool expertise and develop concrete solutions for recycling, reuse, and bio-based alternatives in the composites sector.
During the two-day event, it became clear: The transformation toward sustainable fiber composites is in full swing—yet sustainable composites require a rethinking of processes, applications, and business models.
Natural Fibers in Focus – With Great Potential and Clear Limits
The event centered on bio-based materials, particularly natural fibers such as hemp and flax. These fibers open up new perspectives for CO₂-reduced lightweight solutions and offer interesting functional properties, such as vibration damping and design flexibility. However, it was also evident that their industrial use is not straightforward. Challenges include material consistency, temperature resistance, and integration into existing processes. There was consensus that biocomposites are not a direct substitute for existing materials. Their potential is best realized when applications are specifically tailored to their properties and new design approaches are considered.
Recycling and Circularity as Key Levers
In addition to bio-based materials, the recycling of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) also came into focus. Current developments show that recycled carbon fibers are increasingly enabling high-performance applications—provided that material properties, processes, and areas of application are precisely aligned.
A clear message emerged throughout both days of the event: The key to greater sustainability lies in a systemic approach. Topics such as design-for-circularity, end-of-life strategies, and hybrid material concepts are gaining importance.
ReFiberTech: Pooling Expertise and Driving Innovation
With ReFiberTech, MAI Carbon, together with Chemie-Cluster Bayern and Umweltcluster Bayern, is creating a platform to address these challenges. The project aims to consolidate knowledge from industry and research, make it transparently accessible, and translate it into concrete innovation and cooperation projects. The focus is on:
“We see enormous potential in sustainable composites, but also many open questions in practical implementation,” says Sven Blanck, Managing Director of MAI Carbon. “With ReFiberTech, we are bringing together the relevant stakeholders to tackle these issues and develop solutions together.”
