Airbus and innovative recycling startup Fairmat have signed an agreement to develop methods for reusing carbon fibers from dismantled aircraft structures, particularly the Airbus A350. This initiative aims to enhance circular economy practices within the aerospace industry by recovering high-quality composite materials from aircraft at end-of-life, thus supporting sustainability goals.
The partnership, established in late 2025 and announced in March, defines a collaborative effort to explore disassembly techniques that preserve the properties of the carbon fiber materials. The A350, relying on 53% composites, will be the primary focus—especially wing and keel beam components—before aircraft retirement. Engineers from both companies will work to optimize the process to retain the materials' performance and value.
Fairmat's proprietary Infinity Recycling technology utilizes a cold plasma process that minimizes energy consumption and avoids industrial chemicals, relying instead on mechanical precision and software. This method aims to produce recycled fibers with performance comparable to new materials while offering cost and carbon footprint advantages. Although aerospace applications for the recovered materials are not yet established, the process currently serves industries like sports equipment and automotive interiors.
“The joint work aims to assess the conditions required to recover high-quality composite material and evaluate its potential for reuse in demanding industrial applications, particularly in aerospace,”
said the companies. This initiative exemplifies the industry's move towards more sustainable and efficient material management, addressing end-of-life aircraft as valuable resources rather than waste.
Ultimately, this collaboration positions Airbus at the forefront of sustainable aviation practices, utilizing innovative technologies to reduce environmental impact and promote resource circularity in future aircraft design and maintenance.
