Gen 2 Carbon, of Coseley, UK, has established a strategic alliance with Deakin University to promote the development of carbon fibre recycling in Australia.

The newly formed enterprise is part of Deakin’s Recycling and Renewable Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH) and builds on the university’s end-to-end manufacturing capabilities in renewable energy and recycling.

Gen 2 Carbon’s contribution to the REACH programme will be the transfer of knowledge in carbon fibre recovery and the conversion into high quality, nonwoven recycled mats. This work will be undertaken at Deakin’s carbon fibre and composite research facility in Geelong, Victoria, where feedstock will be processed from a variety of waste streams throughout Australia. These include a major aerospace manufacturer and Tier 1 automotive supplier.

“This is a significant development for Gen 2 Carbon,” said  Frazer Barnes, chairman and CTO of Gen 2 Carbon. “This joint venture with our partners at Deakin allows us to drive forward the reuse of manufacturing waste to support a truly circular economy. It will also assist in our expansion of our conversion capabilities and extend our sales reach in new regions. We anticipate the recycled carbon fibre converted at Deakin’s Geelong facility will be used predominately for clean energy applications.”

“Deakin is the latest university to be included in this influential programme that will address Australia’s manufacturing priorities around recycling, clean energy and greener supply chains,” said Professor Julie Owens, deputy vice-chancellor of research at Deakin. “We are excited to welcome Gen 2 Carbon onboard to be part of the journey.”

www.gen2carbon.com

www.deakin.edu.au