Introducing Recycled Carbon Fiber into Medical Insole Applications

Thermolysis develops carbon fiber recycling technology in collaboration with Dr. Foot to create healthcare insoles from recycled materials, reducing both industrial waste and carbon emissions.

Carbon fiber, known for its lightweight and high strength, finds extensive applications in aerospace, automotive, and sports industries. However, recycling carbon fiber waste generated during processing and after use is challenging due to its composite nature, often leading to landfill or incineration.

Using Microwave Pyrolysis for Carbon Fiber Recycling

Thermolysis collects edge trimmings and defective products (Post-Industrial Recycled materials) from carbon fiber processing plants and recycles the carbon fibers using microwave pyrolysis technology without compromising their inherent strength. They produce various recycled carbon fiber products tailored to customer needs and partner with the Plastic Center to refine recycled carbon fiber thermoplastic processing, enabling broader applications.

Expanding Healthcare Applications

Dr. Foot incorporates Thermolysis's recycled short carbon fibers with graphene fabric into healthcare insoles, reducing the use of virgin carbon fiber and PP sheets by 25%. This versatile material is also suitable for developing functional textile protective gear.

Benefits

  • Reduce 78% carbon emissions by replacing virgin carbon fiber with recycled alternatives [1].


[1] Based on past research data from Thermolysis, the production process of 1 ton of recycled carbon fiber generates approximately 4-4.5 tons of carbon emissions. In contrast, according to information from Toray's website, producing 1 ton of virgin carbon fiber typically results in 20 tons of carbon emissions. Therefore, using 1 metric ton of recycled carbon fiber reduces carbon emissions by approximately 78% compared to virgin carbon fiber.