Circular Economy News

Read news stories covering a circular economy for energy materials, one of NREL’s critical research objectives.

Nov. 17, 2020

News Release: NREL Advanced Manufacturing Research Moves Wind Turbine Blades Toward Recyclability

A new material for wind blades that can be recycled could transform the wind industry, rendering renewable energy more sustainable than ever before while lowering costs in the process. The use of a thermoplastic resin has been validated at NREL.

Nov. 5, 2020

Garvin Heath, JISEA Analyst, Is Defining Circularity for Next-Generation Energy Materials

Moving from a linear to a circular economy for energy materials starts with research and development. JISEA Analyst Garvin Heath and a team of researchers are leading the charge.

Oct. 20, 2020

BOTTLE Consortium Launches To Change the Way We Recycle

The consortium will focus on two critical problems that are both essential to tackle the plastics pollution problem. The first challenge is how to upcycle today's waste plastics in a way that incentivizes their reclamation. The second undertakes the challenge of wholly redesigning tomorrow's plastics to be recyclable-by-design.

Oct. 1, 2020

News Release: NREL, UK University Partner To Dive Deeper Into How Enzymes Digest Plastic

A collaboration between NREL, the University of Portsmouth, and other partners has determined two synergistic enzymes—PETase and MHETase—work effectively in tandem to break down polyethylene terephthalate, a type of plastic used to make single-use beverage bottles, clothing, and carpeting.

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