Policies and Guidelines for Recycling of Fiber‐Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites: Current State, Industrial Practices and Future Perspectives

ABSTRACT

The transition toward a sustainable circular economy increasingly emphasizes the importance of effective recycling of fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, used in aerospace, wind energy, automotive, marine, and construction. However, managing end‐of‐life FRP composites remains a major challenge due to their complex composition and varied fiber–matrix combinations. Regulatory drivers, including bans on landfill of composite waste and Europe's Waste Framework Directive, are pushing industries to prioritize recycling over traditional disposal. This paper presents an up‐to‐date review of current policies, industrial practices, and recycling technologies for FRPs, distinguishing between thermoplastic and thermoset matrices and between glass and carbon fiber reinforcements. The authors analyze recycling routes—mechanical, thermal, chemical—according to their maturity, energy demand, and suitability for different composite types. Industrial case studies are included, demonstrating practical implementation of recycling. The paper proposes actionable policy recommendations for harmonizing EU guidelines and promoting the adoption of high‐value recycling. The aim is to provide composite stakeholders with a coherent overview of the evolving landscape of FRP recycling, thus enabling informed decisions and facilitating a sustainable composite industry. The original contribution of this study is the systematic evaluation of state‐of‐the‐art standards, policies, and industrial practices performed within the OVERLEAF project, and their synthesis into a recommended qualitative framework to support decision‐making for FRP composite recycling.