The sub group, which is chaired by Steven Brown, polymer development manager, AAC and Composites at Scott Bader, will incorporate the association’s biocomposites group and is the third special interest arm of Composites UK, the others being construction and material suppliers.
Brown said: "Scott Bader is delighted to be hosting this launch event for the new sustainability sub group of Composites UK, since this fits very well with our strategic focus on sustainable development which we see as a key foundation of our future business. This is a critical subject for the whole composites industry to be giving attention to, and we believe that the creation of this sub group will help to further raise the profile of sustainability in the UK composites industry."
The aim of the sustainability sub group is to overcome challenges in fibre reinforced polymer composite (FRP) recycling, improve disposal methods and supply chains, incorporate more bio-based FRPs into components in the specification stages including consideration of environmental impact at the design stage as well as understanding the impact of the products we produce both to the factory gate and through life.
Not least, the group aims to spread good practice in resource and energy efficiency, and structure business models to promote this.
Stella Job, supply chain and environment manager, added: “Environmental sustainability has always been on the agenda at Composites UK, but the launch of this group represents a new chapter where we will put in more resource to solve some of the challenges in this area and develop knowledge and good practice to increase the positive environmental impact of composite materials.”
