On March 20, 2025, the Cradle-ALP partners organised tge Composites Recycling and Circularity in the Alpine Space Conference that brought together 35 participants from across the Alpine region — Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland — for a dynamic online exchange on circularity solutions in the composites sector.
Organized as part of the Cradle-ALP pilot activities for SMEs, the event aimed to inform and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in building more circular value chains and developing cross-border innovations in recycling and end-of-life management of composite materials through the matchmaking session that followed the conference.
Conference Highlights
The morning conference (10:00–11:15 CET) opened with a welcome and an introduction to support services offered by Cradle-ALP partners. Key presentations followed:
- Dr. Florian Part (BOKU University) clarified the current and future EU regulations shaping composite recycling, helping SMEs understand how to align with legal and sustainability requirements.
- Christoph Olscher (BOKU University) introduced the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, offering practical insights on how SMEs can integrate sustainability into product development.
- Romain Agogué (IPC) shared hands-on challenges and emerging solutions for composite end-of-life management, giving participants concrete ideas to improve recycling processes within their operations.
The session also featured pitches from SMEs presenting their leading solutions in circularity:
- Neue Materialien Bayreuth GmbH shared how they tackled the challenges of CFRP recycling.
- Polyloop introduced their decentralized mechanical recycling for composite waste.
- Extracthive presented their solvent-based process for recovering high-quality carbon fiber.
- Triangular shared methods to maximize efficiency in contract manufacturing and material processing.
Matchmaking Momentum
Following the conference, the afternoon was dedicated to online B2B matchmaking through the Cradle-ALP B2match platform. The session drew 23 participants and led to 27 business meetings, of which 15 were cross-border, confirming strong interest in transnational collaboration.
Why It Matters
Participants left with valuable insights on current regulations, circular business models, and real-world applications — while also contributing through the dynamic exchanges following the different presentation to the Cradle-ALP Circular Transformation Roadmap and laying the groundwork for further cooperation in Composites circularity.
This event is part of a wider strategy of the Cradle-ALP project to foster cooperation across five key sectors — Composites & Polymers, Chemistry & Materials, Textiles, Packaging, and Wood/Furniture. By connecting SMEs to other SMEs but also researchers and industry leaders, Cradle-ALP is helping to accelerate the circular transition in the Alpine Space through shared knowledge, innovation, and partnerships.
As part of this initiative, additional events will be organised to continue the support of SMEs in building cross-border networks and advancing circular solutions tailored to their industries :
- The CIRPLEX Circular Plastics Matchmaking Days organised from May 13 to 15, 2025 will offer to CIRPLEX trade fair participants on-site matchmaking opportunities
- The second Cradle-ALP online conference and matchmaking session on Wood & Furniture on May 26, 2025
- The third Cradle-ALP online conference and matchmaking session on Packaging on June 13, 2025
Stay in touch for the next events organised as part of this initiative by registering to our Cradle-ALP community.
