Two NCC circularity collaborations shortlisted for industry awards
From materials to manufacturing, real progress is being made in sustainability and circularity. We're proud to be part of two collaborative projects shortlisted for the Composites UK Industry Awards 2026.
Both initiatives are shortlisted in the 'Sustainability: Circularity' category and support a national ambition to create secure, circular supply chains and processes for materials critical to the UK's key growth sectors.
Proving the value of recycled carbon fibre
With global demand rising fast, finding circular end-of-life solutions for carbon fibre parts is vital. However, it remains one of the most difficult materials to recycle – too often its highest-value properties are degraded or lost during processing.
NCC, through CEAMS, is working with UK industry to change that. The latest breakthrough further demonstrates the suitability of reclaimed materials for high value applications. A cross-supply chain consortium successfully manufactured an aircraft access panel using prepreg made from 100% recycled carbon fibre.
Addressing single-use plastic manufacturing waste
Single-use plastics are integral to composites manufacturing, but account for thousands of tonnes of waste each year. Breather fabric is the single largest consumable waste-stream by mass.
A collaboration between NCC, Airtech Advanced Materials Group and Project Plan B Circular Ltd has seen waste polyester (PET) breather successfully converted into PET pellets. These pellets are an established commodity and represent a viable second-life application for waste breather.
Meet the teams at the Composites UK Awards dinner on 4th November 2026, at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, coinciding with the Advanced Engineering show.