In  accordance with QHSE Policy statement , we have committed that  KIEL shall continually improve Health / Safety / Environment ( HSE ) by carrying out potential risk assessment, waste minimization & optimized use of re-sources through three  “R“ concept  (i.e. Recovery ,Reuse & Recycle ).

  Forward path action:

Solid waste generated in the FRP manufacturing process is a matrix of cured polymer resin & fibre reinforcement material. The chemical structure of the polymers used and the fibre & filler content of FRP scrap make Recycling more complex than typical thermoplastic recycling.

We consulted Sea wolf Design which is one of the expert group in USA and developed a system with further in-house capability to recycle fiberglass and glass fibers.  The system grinds the material & reintroduces it as a dry spray. Pictures of Grinder & Spray up equipments are given below and they are painted / named   ”Green Equipments “ to convey the message that use of these equipments helps in protection of our Environment.

The integration of this recycling system in our current manufacturing setup has helped to recover valuable reinforcements.

In order for the physical properties not to degrade, we carefully ensure that recycled reinforcements match to the new product.  In fact, it is possible to improve upon the original product by carefully matching the recycled material to the products in question. Tests have shown that the recycled materials improve flexural strength, stiffness and especially fatigue resistance.

Recycled materials are being used in spray up in lengths of 3 to 15mm. In compression model and RTM, the longer fibers give the best results.  In most cases it is not necessary to separate the fine dust from the fibers.  The fine particles can take the place of fillers and improve stiffness.

In recycling waste glass fiber from the production of chop mat, woven roving, biaxial and triaxial materials; we are able to produce a felt like material which is especially suitable for compression molding and RTM.  Even low strength insulated A glass has shown impressive results.

Besides recycling our FRP scrap, we have advised our customers that whenever our product reaches to removal stage, such used product will be handed over to KIEL for Re-cycling.