This page lists materials for the composites industry which have bio and/or recycled content and are commercially available, supplied by members of Composites UK.
The purpose of listing these products is to support the industry to adopt more sustainable products. Composites UK cannot endorse that each of these products has better environmental impact than what it replaces, and encourages increased understanding of whole life impact. However, by supporting raw materials with bio and recycled content we will help to validate material properties, increase acceptance and create the economies of scale which will lower both the cost and production impact of these materials.
“Bio content” in this page typically refers to the bio-based carbon content which can be measured by radiocarbon analysis, though different suppliers may have used different standards. Please confirm with the supplier.
Supplier contact details can be found at the members’ Hub profiles – click on the company name below.
If you have material to add or content needs to be edited, please contact us.
Quick Links
- Unsaturated Polyester Resins
- Epoxy Resins, Curing Agents and Pre-Pregs
- Polyurethane Resins & Curing Agents
- Polyfurfuryl Alcohol Resins and Pre-pregs
- Recycled Glass Fibre Products
- Recycled Carbon Fibre Products
- Natural Fibre Products
- Core Materials
- Adhesives
- Chemicals
- Consumables
- Composite Mould-Making Materials
- Board Products
Unsaturated Polyester Resins
INEOS Composites PET Resin
One of the key components of this innovative unsaturated polyester resin is recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate). For every 220 kg drum produced, approximately 1,800 plastic bottles are diverted from landfills and oceans. Competitively priced, this plastic waste reducing resin also offers GRP manufacturers better overall performance than standard unsaturated polyester resins. 22% recycled PET.
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Norsodyne H 13212 BTAE
A premium UPR general purpose laminating resin containing bio sourced propylene glycol providing a positive reduction in CO2 in life cycle analysis. 23% bio content. 3000 kg minimum order quantity, supplied in pails, drums, IBC and bulk tanker.
UPEX 201515
UPR general purpose laminating resin containing recycled PET. 25% recycled content. 3000 kg minimum order quantity, supplied in pails, drums, IBC and bulk tanker
For more info about either product, contact Andrew Burgess.
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Crystic 805
Crystic 805 is a polyester based clear resin designed for composite stone and marble applications. It provides excellent resistance to hydrolysis and yellowing caused by UV exposure. 22% bio content. 3000 kg minimum order quantity, sample available.
Crystic 806PA & Crystic 807PA
Crystic 806PA & 807PA are polyester based clear resins with different geltime designed for infusion applications. They provide excellent resistance to hydrolysis and yellowing caused by UV exposure. They are compatible with permanent water contact. 30% bio content. 3000 kg minimum order quantity, sample available.
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TriCure 19B721E
TriCure 19B721E is a constructional, ecological resin with low styrene emission, terephthalic, accelerated. It incorporates recycled PET. It has colourful curing indicator system. It is recommended for the production of laminates with hand-lay or spray- up and can be used in the manufacturing of bathtubs, shower trays, tanks and floating equipment. Recycled PET content between 27% – 33%.
TriJect 13A351K
TriJect 13A351K is a promoted, non-thixotropic general-purpose polyester resin containing recycled PET. 13A351K is custom formulated for use in liquid moulding process applications for the construction of various composite parts. The product exhibits low exotherm and very good flow for fast fill mould. Recycled PET content between 27% – 33%
Epoxy Resins and Curing Agents
EPILOK BDP 4443 A and B
A 50% bio content Epoxy resin system with very low viscosity allowing efficient impregnation of reinforcement materials. Sustainable source materials include Glycerol – a by-product of bio-diesel production and hardeners derived from Phenalkamine (cashew nut shell) resins.
CARDAMINE epoxy curing agents
High-performance modified speciality Phenalkamine (cashew nut shell) polymers that are >90% bio content and have been developed for use as part of matrix systems utilised in specialist composite applications, generally utilised in conjunction with EPILOK epoxy resins as a curative or in conjunction with CURAPHEN phenolic polymers as an additive.
FURALKAMINE epoxy curing agents
A new class of curing agent for epoxy resins that are >25% bio content and have been developed for composite applications, offering thermal performance and excellent chemical resistance. They are REACH compliant, bio-derived and do not contain phenol and/or alkyl phenols.
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AMPRO BIO™
Industry leading epoxy for coating, bonding, sealing, filling and laminating a variety of materials including wood and GRP. This certified, bio-based system has been developed using safer chemistry and includes >40% bio-based content, sourced from bio-waste products. AMPRO™ BIO reduces reliance on petrochemicals without compromising performance and is TUV certified ‘OK biobased‘.
Ampreg™ 30
Ampreg™ 30 has been optimised for the manufacture of large composite structures using hand layup & vacuum bagging techniques whilst offering improved health & safety through the careful selection of low toxicity raw materials. Ampreg™ 30 has been designed to give excellent mechanical and thermal properties from both ambient temperature cures, and moderate temperature postcures. It contains BIO sourced materials as standard, with a BIO content range from 8% to 34%.
Ampreg™ 31
Ampreg™ 31 has been optimised for the manufacture of large composite structures using hand layup & vacuum bagging techniques whilst offering improved health & safety through the careful selection of low toxicity raw materials. Ampreg™ 31 has been designed to give excellent mechanical and thermal properties from both ambient temperature cures, and moderate temperature postcures. It contains BIO sourced materials as standard with a BIO content range from 6% to 32%.
PRIME™ 37
PRIME™37 is suitable for the moulding of large composite components incorporating advanced fibres such as glass, carbon and aramid. PRIME™ 37 offers outstanding performance in a variety of liquid infusion processes including SCRIMP, RIFT (resin infusion under flexible tooling), VARTM (vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding) and RTM (resin transfer moulding). PRIME™ 37 achieves excellent mechanical and physical properties, including a high Tg from a moderate (50°C) post cure. PRIME™ 37 contains BIO sourced materials as standard with a BIO content range from 15% to 38% and is also available in a high bio-content version. This contains 38% bio-carbon content, certified by EN 16640 carbon dating analysis.
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Sicomin Greenpoxy
Sicomin GreenPoxy resin systems are class leading using the latest innovations in bio-based chemistry. Ranging from 22% to 52% mixed biomass content, GreenPoxy resins are produced with some of the highest biomass certification available today. GreenPoxy series is certified by an independent laboratory using carbon 14 measurements (ASTM D6866 or XP CEN/TS 16640).
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MTB350 – Bio-Epoxy Component Prepreg
MTB350 is a unique epoxy resin system with 30% bio content derived from a renewable source. Its mechanical properties show equivalence to standard non-bio epoxy systems and it is designed to cure at 120°C – 140°C, allowing flexibility in component manufacture. MTB350 can be stored and transported at ambient temperatures without detriment to the product, potentially removing the requirement for cold storage, therefore further improving the green credentials of this innovative product. MTB350 has a shelf life of up to 12months when stored at 20°C.
VTB301 – Bio-Epoxy versatile cure Component Prepreg
VTB301 is a versatile curing, epoxy prepreg system with up to 25% bio-content. Curing can be achieved as low as 65°C while still having a room temperature shelf life of at least 90 days. The system can be processed Out-Of-Autoclave (OOA), through an autoclave or snap cured at 140°C via a press, delivering unrivalled flexibility for component manufacture.
LTB300 – Bio-Epoxy Tooling Prepreg
LTB300 is an epoxy resin tooling system with 30% bio content derived from a renewable source. Initial cure temperatures of 45°C provide a tool in just 12 hours with an ultimate Tg of over 200°C achievable after post cure. Initial cure can comfortably be achieved with a rapid 8 hours at 55°C or 6 hours at 60°C.
LTB310-1 – Bio-Epoxy Tooling Prepreg
LTB310-1 is an epoxy resin tooling system with 30% bio content derived from a renewable source and is designed to cure at low temperatures whilst giving the potential for high temperature tooling. It can be supplied on a variety of fabrics to meet your cost and manufacturing requirements.
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EPC200 Evopreg®
EPC200 Evopreg® is a toughened epoxy thermoset prepreg. The resin system has 20% bio content and is suitable for both autoclave and oven curing and can be cured between 65°C-120°C. It is available on all fabric variants including the full range of B-Comp natural fabrics.
EPC300 Evopreg®
EPC300 Evopreg® is a toughened epoxy thermoset prepreg. The resin system has 20% bio content and is suitable for both autoclave and press curing and can be cured between 80°C-120°C. It is available on all fabric variants including the full range of B-Comp natural fabrics.
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Pro-Set 117G Infusion Resin
PRO-SET INF- 117G (and the newer 114G resin) has a bio content of 34% from agricultural waste as measured according to the ASTM D6866-18 test method. It is very low viscosity for rapid saturation of glass fibre, Kevlar® and carbon fibre laminate with resin infusion and VARTM processes. It comes with an easy to use selection of hardener speeds allowing operator choice.
Pro-Set 125G Laminating Resin
PRO-SET INF- 125G has a bio content of 34% from agricultural waste as measured according to the ASTM D6866-18 test method. It is low viscosity for quick wet out of synthetic composite fabrics; especially fibreglass, Kevlar® and carbon fibre. It comes with an easy to use selection of hardener speeds allowing operator choice and is optimized for hand wet out or machine impregnation in contact moulding, vacuum bagging and light RTM application.
Entropy Resins 305 Compression moulding system
305 is a compression moulding resin for fast cycle times in heat-assisted moulding processes of fibre-reinforced composites. The 305 System delivers a high bio content, excellent fibre wetting qualities and thixotropic characteristics to limit sag in high-temperature cure applications. A high modulus combined with excellent elongation properties enable durable yet lightweight composite parts. 305 is a USDA Certified BioPreferred® Product with 28% bio content from agricultural waste.
Polyurethane Resins & Curing Agents
FC-226, FC227
A low viscosity, fast-cast polyurethane resin (38% recycled), for casting a variety of products with excellent surface detail. High levels of fillers such as alumina trihydrate or calcium carbonate can be added, due to the inherent wettability of these resins.
RIM 75FR
A low viscosity, RIM (Reactive Injection Moulding) fire-retardant (UL94, V0) polyurethane resin (40% bio content), for casting a variety of impact-resistant products with excellent surface detail.
Polyfurfuryl Alcohol (PFA) Resins
FURACURE
A 96% bio content PFA (Polyfurfuryl Alcohol) resin system sourced from materials including sugar beet. Offered as FURACURE BDP 4438 Part “A” and CURACAT 36-262 Part “B”, with very low viscosity allowing efficient impregnation of reinforcements. Also offered as FURACURE R416 solvent free hot melt PFA system for prepreg. Work to develop sustainable catalysts is ongoing.
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Crestafire P1-8001 & Crestafire P1-8003
Crestafire Bio P1-8001 is a 100% plant-based resin, heat curable, with excellent fire, smoke & toxicity properties. Due to its innately superb FST properties, it is utilised in the most demanding FST applications for rail and building and construction. P1-8001 and P1-8003 sources their natural origins in sugar cane waste. 240 kg minimum order quantity, sample available
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PS200 / FR308
PFA based resin systems, >95% bio-based, derived from sugar cane waste. PS200 for high temperature FST compliant applications such as EV battery containment, heat shields and other safety critical applications. FR308 is a phenolic replacement material for aircraft, rail and infrastructure applications. CS25.853, EN45545 and BS476 compliant. Both offered as prepregs with carbon, glass, aramid, thermoplastic, etc reinforcements and also flax which gives almost 100% bio content.
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PFC502 Evopreg®
PFC502 Evopreg® is a PFA thermoset fire retardant prepreg. The PFA bioresin derives from sugar cane crop waste and is both low on toxicity and VOC emissions. The resin has 90% bio content and cures between 130°C-160°C (100min-10min). It is available on all fabric variants including the full range of B-Comp natural fabrics.
Recycled Glass Fibre Products
LoFLO, HiFLO, and ReFLO
Gen2Plank supplies recycled chopped glass fibre @ 6-10mm strand lengths in 3 formats, LoFLO, HiFLO, and ReFLO. The material can be used to replace virgin chopped fibres in thermoset and thermoplastic compounding, as well as a replacement for chopped strands used in hand laminating. The recycled fibres are sourced from fabric nesting waste/end of rolls.
Recycled Carbon Fibre Products
G-TEX M
Nonwoven carbon fibre mats available from 60gsm to 800gsm in widths up to 2,500mm. Available from Gen 2 Carbon as dry reinforcements and from selected partners in the UK and Europe as prepregs. G-Tex M products comprise 100% recycled carbon fibre and do not contain any binders or stitching. Use cases are available for wind energy, automotive, marine and aerospace applications.
G-TEX TM
Blended nonwoven mats of comprising recycled carbon fibres and either thermoplastics (PP, PA6, PC, PPS, PEI) or natural fibres (hemp). Thermoplastic products can be directly press moulded, or available as organosheets from selected partners in Europe. Products combined with natural fibres are available from Gen 2 Carbon as dry reinforcements and from selected partners in the UK and Europe as prepregs.
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Recycled Carbon Veils
James Cropper manufactures recycled carbon fibre nonwovens produced from 100% reclaimed fibre from composites, with areal weights 10 – 50 g/m². These materials can be integrated into a composite structure as a high quality surfacing or semi-structural layer, and offer comparable properties to virgin materials including electrical conductivity and high temperature & chemical resistance.
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REEPREG
New carbon prepreg material made with recycled chopped carbon mat. Made from carbon waste from kid cutting and trimming, 100% of the reinforcement fibre is from recycled sources. When combined with PRF’s eXpress cure prepreg systems, offers additional energy savings and improved sustainability when processed.
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SigmaRF
A non-woven fabric produced from 100% rCF from virgin grade production waste from Sigmatex’s textile manufacturing. Fibre areal weight (FAW) 100-600gsm (other FAW’s on request); excellent drape and permeability; predictable mechanical performance – data available on request. Suitable for a variety of parts / processes in, e.g. automotive, rail, construction, consumer electronics, etc. Also available as a blend of carbon and thermoplastic fibres for hot press manufacture / overmoulding.
Natural Fibre Products
The pre-preg manufacturers on this page can supply prepregs with natural fibre reinforcing fibres.
Core Materials
Balsaflex™
Balsaflex™ is an end-grain balsa wood core, featuring very high strength to weight ratio. Available in a range of densities, thicknesses, formats and finishes. Gurit® Balsaflex™ is DNV-GL and Lloyds approved, used for wind turbine blades and nacelles, marine, automotive, truck, rail and aircraft parts. 100% bio-based.
Gurit Kerdyn™
Kerdyn™ PET is a lightweight thermoplastic core material with a good balance of mechanical properties and cost for various applications and processes. Made with up to 100% recycled PET content, Kerdyn™ is a sustainable structural core which can withstand high temperatures, has low resin uptake and offers ease of machining.
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Amorim CoreCork
CoreCork is a composite core material made from controlled density cork granules and specific binder. The closed, airtight cells have a natural honeycomb structure offering low density, high compressibility and excellent recovery characteristics.
Compatible with polyester, vinyl ester, phenolic, epoxies. 100% bio based, regular extraction of cork, 9 year harvest does not damage trees.
Armacell PET foam core
Armacell PET foam cores offer a unique combination of material and processing properties, such as high strength to weight ratio, durability, superior service temperature stability and excellent compatibility with most common resins and manufacturing methods. Produced from 100% post-consumer recycled PET & fully recyclable. LCA study available upon request.
Adhesives
Pro-Set 175G Biobased Adhesive Epoxy
PRO-SET ADV 175G has a bio content of 32% from agricultural waste as measured according to the ASTM D6866-18 test method. High performance pre-thickened, two-part epoxy adhesives for secondary bonding of laminated composites, steel, aluminium, cast iron, concrete, stone, and most wood species. PRO-SET Adhesives will bond these materials to one another in any combination.
Pro-Set 176G Bio-based Super Toughened Adhesive Epoxy
PRO-SET 176G has a bio content of 28% from agricultural waste as measured according to the ASTM D6866-18 test method. High performance pre-thickened, two-part epoxy adhesive delivers toughness and superior peel strength for heavily loaded applications and difficult to bond substrates including pre-preg, SMC, metals and most plastics. Also for secondary bonding of laminated composites, steel, aluminium, cast iron, concrete, stone, and most wood species. PRO-SET Adhesives bond these materials in any combination.
Chemicals
MPG, Glycerol
Bowden Chemicals offers 100% bio-sourced monopropylene glycol (MPG), and glycerol, as routine. MPG is UK stocked in IBCs, but bulk also available. Other bio-sourced materials available on request.
Consumables
Recycled Silicone Release Liner
Techlan manufactures a range of 100% recycled silicone release liners for use in many composite applications including hot platten presses and pre-preg manufacturing. Its feedstock is waste release liner produced from pre-preg manufacturers, which it recycles using its innovative patented cleaning technology.
Composite Mould-Making Materials
BP1250, BP1404, BP1700
These are high-density, abrasion-resistant, polyurethane (PU) tooling boards designed for use in a wide range of applications including vacuum forming, thermoforming, hammer and metal forming, foundry patterns and reactive injection moulding. BP1250 and BP1404 both contain 30% bio content and BP1700 contains 12% bio content, derived from plant sources and all bio-based raw materials used are REACH-compliant.
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RX-80,150,200,300 Range
A range of low-density boards and blocks based on polyurethane chemistry with 35-40% recycled content. Densities from 80kg/m3 to 300kg/m3 are available as standard boards (1500mm x 500mm) and as large blocks.
RX-450, 600,700,1200 Range
A range of higher density polyurethane boards derived from a Bio-Res® sustainable resin, (60-72% recycled content). Densities from 450kg/m3 to 1200kg/m3 are available with board sizes of 1500mm x 500mm x 30-150mm
RX-1220AR A high density, abrasion-resistant, tooling board derived from a sustainable resin (30% recycled/40% bio content). This product has been optimised for high resistance to mechanical abrasion.
Halo Bio-750
A unique, thermally stable, high Tg, low CTE, tooling board derived from a Bio-Res® source, a sustainable resin (50% recycled, 40% bio content), based on a hybrid thermoset structure. LCA to ISO 14040 provides a negative GWP. Halo Bio-750 is suitable for direct tooling and prepreg applications.
Board Products
Bio-SIP™ panels
Bio-SIP™ (biological-based Structural Insulated Panels) are eco-friendly building materials that use recycled plastic bottles (PET) for the insulating core, and natural fibre skins for the structural facings. Each panel uses 2000 recycled plastic bottles helping reduce waste and supports a circular economy. 88% of Bio-SIP™ is made from recycled waste materials. Minimum order quantity 10 Panels.