The CIRCO Blades project has officially launched. This Dutch innovation initiative focuses on developing scalable, circular recycling solutions for end-of-life offshore wind composites.
The project brings together Circular Covers, DOPS Recycling Technologies, ECHT Regie in Transitie, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, and RWE, combining industrial expertise with applied research to address the growing challenge of composite waste in the offshore wind sector. The project is made possible with the support of Topsector Energy, part of the Dutch Government’s Top Sectors policy framework.
Advancing circular recycling through thermochemical innovation
CIRCO Blades develops and validates Direct Carbon Immobilization (DCI™), an advanced thermochemical recycling process capable of converting decommissioned composite materials into syngas, carbon, and glass. This approach offers a viable route to recover valuable outputs while reducing the environmental burden of composite waste.
Project scope and expected outcomes
Running until mid-2027, CIRCO Blades focuses on process optimization, material recovery performance, and environmental assessment. The results will provide the foundation for large-scale circular implementation and support more sustainable asset strategies across the offshore wind industry.
“CIRCO Blades is about turning a waste challenge into a circular opportunity,” says Michiel Kraak, Managing Director of Circular Covers and Project Coordinator. “By combining scientific research with industrial collaboration, we can demonstrate how composite materials can be transformed into valuable energy and material streams.”
More information
For further details, visit www.circoblades.com or follow CIRCO Blades on LinkedIn.
