HTWK Leipzig celebrates research achievements, international networking and progress in the field of sustainable composite materials
The EU project EuReComp has come to an end after four years, having delivered tangible results. From 18 to 20 March 2026, the project partners met at Dallara in Parma, Italy, for the final meeting. HTWK Leipzig was represented by Robert Böhm, from the Chair of Lightweight Construction with Composite Materials, and Jan Bürgener from the Composite Circularity Lab.
EuReComp, short for European recycling and circularity in large composite components, aimed to develop methods for the recycling and reuse of composite materials. These materials are used in the aviation and wind energy sectors, as well as in other industries, for example in rotor blades. The project developed innovative dismantling and sorting systems, upcycling solutions and pilot demonstrations for the reuse of complex components. The aim was to recover materials from end-of-life large components, transform them into high-quality products and thereby strengthen the circular economy. The project followed the R6 strategy, which focuses on reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, repurposing and recycling. A budget of 8.9 million euros was made available for its implementation.
Achievements and international networking
HTWK Leipzig was able to achieve numerous successes even whilst the project was still underway. Böhm sums it up: “EuReComp has not only provided us with valuable knowledge, but has also raised the profile of HTWK Leipzig. Over the course of the project, four national follow-up projects were launched, the Composite Circularity Lab was established at the Eilenburger Straße campus with six research staff, a PhD was brought to near completion, and 16 academic papers were published. In addition, six study abroad placements and three international workshops involving HTWK students were organised. The project was accompanied by a television feature and four radio reports, which brought EuReComp to the attention of a wide audience.”
Outlook
“We hope that we can continue our research into circular composites with the same level of success as we achieved in EuReComp,” adds Philipp Johst, head of the research group at the Composite Circularity Lab. HTWK Leipzig sees the project as laying the foundations for future innovations in sustainable materials research.
