Multi-Material Lightweighting Approaches Highlight Growing Role of Carbon Fiber in Automotive Structures
BY Composights
Published: 14 May 2026
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A composite materials development project led by UK-based engineering consultancy Far-UK Ltd. is demonstrating the use of recycled glass fibre (rGF) composites for lightweight structural applications requiring durability, cost efficiency, and improved end-of-life recyclability.
The work focuses on integrating recycled glass fibre reinforcement with thermoplastic resin systems to create composite parts suitable for transport and other engineering applications where both structural performance and circular material strategies are increasingly important.
Sustainability does not have to be treated separately from mechanical performance, says Lyndon Sanders, director of Far-UK Ltd.
A key part of the project involved the use of Arkema s Elium thermoplastic resin system, which enables composite processing routes similar to conventional manufacturing methods while supporting improved recyclability compared to traditional thermoset composite systems.
The material system can be processed using manufacturing techniques already familiar to composites manufacturers, while providing a more practical recycling pathway at end-of-life. Sanders also acknowledged technical support provided by Arkema s Alexander Zoller and Pierre G rard during the project.
The project helped demonstrate an rGF composite part that was light, strong, cost-effective and credible for transport and many other applications where durability and EOL really matter, says Sanders. This is the kind of practical materials development we need more of not just new materials, but materials shown in real parts, under real engineering constraints.
The development reflects increasing industry interest in recycled reinforcement materials and thermoplastic composite systems as manufacturers seek alternatives to conventional composite architectures that can be difficult to recycle at end-of-life. Recycled fibre integration and thermoplastic resin technologies are gaining attention across automotive, transportation, and industrial sectors focused on circular materials strategies and lightweight structural design.
Source: FarUK | LinkedIn
