Aircraft recycling takes off as Airbus targets composite recovery

French player Fairmat is in partnership with Airbus to recover carbon composite panels from end-of-life aircraft. They hope to herald a new phase for commercial-scale aircraft recycling.

The collaboration was announced at JEC World 2026, held recently in Paris, and targets structural components. This includes wing panels and keel beams from long-haul aircraft such as the Airbus A350.

Cold plasma innovation

Fairmat relies on its proprietary recycling technology to recover fibres without blending them with virgin material. As a result, the process maintains mechanical performance while significantly lowering the carbon footprint compared to new composites.

‘Our patented recycling process is based on cold atmospheric plasma,’ says company ceo Benjamin Saada. Composites account for around 53% of the A350’s structure by weight. ‘By combining Fairmat’s technology with the standards of a leading aircraft manufacturer, we aim to transform end-of-life aircraft structures into high performance materials.’

100% recycled carbon chips

Saada’s team has created FairPly, which is made from Fairmat Chips, 100% recycled carbon composite pieces. It comes in sheet or roll form and is available in a range of weights and thicknesses from 200 to 400 g/m², equivalent to conventional reinforcing fabrics (prepegs).

Its main advantage is its ease of integration. Unlike traditional prepregs, it contains no raw resin and does not need to be stored at low temperatures, making it easier to transport and use. It is compatible with thermoplastic and thermosetting resins in various forms – film, liquid or spray – and can be combined with other materials such as fibreglass or other composites.

Expanding into construction sector

Meanwhile, Fairmat is looking beyond aviation. The company has partnered with Etex to integrate recycled carbon composites into construction products.

Initially, the focus lies on replacing metal fasteners made from aluminium or steel. These alternatives could improve corrosion resistance and thermal insulation. The partners are targeting at least a 50% reduction in carbon footprint compared to aluminium.

More composite scrap

The innovation comes as the aerospace composites market continues to grow. According to Fortune Business Insights, the sector reached roughly EUR 36.2 billion in 2025. It could exceed EUR 97.7 billion by 2034, driven by demand for lightweight materials.

Today, the US leads the aerospace composite market, with a 53.3% global market share. Other major markets are Germany, France, China and Japan.

Recycled composites from aircraft remain an emerging market, currently worth EUR 135 million worldwide. This could reach EUR 379 million by 2034, according to latest estimates by Global Market Insights.

The top five frontrunners in the market are ELG Carbon Fiber, Carbon Conversions, Teijin Limited, Carbon Fiber Recycling and Vartega. They collectively hold a market share of almost 55%, with ELG having the largest stake at 15%.