Verretex SA, an EPFL spin-off specializing in regenerated glass-fiber textiles, and Ryse Energy, a global leader in small wind turbines and hybrid off-grid systems, have successfully completed a pilot study proving that Verretex s 100% recycled glass-fiber textile can directly replace virgin glass-fiber fabrics in wind turbine blade production.

The trial, conducted at Ryse Energy s manufacturing facility in Spain under the leadership of Neil Baxter, Technical Composite Specialist, confirmed that Verretex s material could be processed using existing lay-up and curing methods with no modifications to tooling or cycle times. The resulting blades achieved the required strength, stiffness, and durability benchmarks for small wind turbine applications, aligning with IEC 61400-2 standards.

Our team was able to integrate Verretex s recycled textile seamlessly, and the resulting test blades met performance requirements, said Baxter. This shows the real-world potential of recycled composites in renewable energy manufacturing.

A Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) by TECH-FAB Europe (via PwC) highlights the significance of this achievement: 89% of a fabric s carbon footprint comes from glass fiber production. By avoiding virgin fiber production, Verretex s regeneration process cuts emissions at the most impactful stage of the value chain.

Mitchell Anderson, CEO & Co-founder of Verretex, emphasized: This pilot validates Verretex as a true drop-in solution for blade makers. We regenerate end-of-life and scrap glass fibers into virgin-like, low-carbon textiles that fit seamlessly into existing processes no retraining, no retooling.

Key Outcomes of the Pilot

• Drop-in compatibility: No changes to Ryse s equipment or production cycles.
• Mechanical performance: Blades met Ryse s strength and stiffness standards.
• Circular economy impact: Regenerated textiles reduce waste and lower CO2 emissions without energy-intensive remelting.

Next Steps

Following the pilot, Verretex plans to scale production capacity to meet industry demand and reduce costs, while Ryse Energy intends to integrate circular materials across its global manufacturing sites in Spain, Europe, and the US.

The collaboration marks a critical step toward low-carbon wind turbine blades, aligning renewable energy production with circular economy principles and setting a precedent for sustainable composites adoption at scale.

Source: www.verretex.com