Re:FAB - Design of circular and resource efficient processes and products for recycled glass wool

The aim of the project is to demonstrate a circular value chain and new resource efficient manufacturing technologies, as well as products and business model, using a complex waste stream from the construction and demolition industry - acoustic ceilings and wall absorbers made of glass wool. This with technical and design properties that meet and exceed the market demand for products with minimized climate impact and optimized acoustic performance.

The project will on a system prototype level demonstrate a new circular value chain, with the involvement of stakeholders throughout the innovation process from the source of the waste, through design and adaptive production technologies, to the demonstration of circular products on the market. This through cross-industrial collaboration of big and small partners, to not only demonstrate a circular value chain in practice but also pave the way for new types of collaboration in a circular industry. The project goal is to move from TRL 4 to TRL 6. After finalized project, the aim is to continue activities towards scaled-up solutions where the technology and learnings can also be transferred to other industries and materials. 

Early life-cycle analysis indicates a reduction in CO2 emissions per produced kilo product of 59%. A production scenario of 1M m2 products produced results in energy savings corresponding to 2000MWh, climate savings of 0,62 kton CO2equiv., and a decrease in use of virgin raw materials of 580 tons as well as 840 tons less material to landfill.

This project addresses the needs in the construction and demolition (C&D) industry in transforming from current linear material flows to more resource efficient and sustainable technologies, where circular business models can be utilised. The aim of the project is to demonstrate a circular value chain and business model, using a complex waste stream from the C&D industry - acoustic ceilings and wall absorbers made of glass wool - and transforming it to high-value products, utilising new resource efficient manufacturing technologies and design approaches.