Regional network for sustainable fibre composites based on covalent adaptable networks
Project goals & content:
The main objective of reCANet is to advance the SI-AT region’s circular economy for composites by establishing a durable collaborative network, empowering over 15 SMEs with advanced knowledge, and co-developing CAN-composite innovations with at least 6 enterprises, thereby fostering resource efficiency and circular practices.
The project addresses a critical challenge: fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) are essential in regional industries yet typically difficult to recycle, leading to extensive waste and a linear economic model. reCANet confronts this by developing innovative, sustainable composites based on Covalent Adaptable Networks (CANs) that are designed for repair, reprocessing, and high-quality recycling, targeting over 75% material recovery.
Approach:
The reCANet project is divided into three integrated work packages:
- WP1: Initial Ecosystem Development – Strategic regional roadmap, circular business model blueprints, innovation network activation, and capacity building programme with academic integration
- WP2: Material Innovation – Development of at least 3 bio-based CAN resin systems and 3 sustainable CAN-composite materials using regional fibres, plus validation of End-of-Life protocols
- WP3: Sustained Impact Creation – Industrial demonstrators, SME implementation toolkit, direct support to 4+ SMEs, and long-term sustainability strategy
Main Outputs:
- Strategic Regional Roadmap: Mapping 70+ stakeholders and 3 „Rethink“-driven Circular Business Model Blueprints
- Innovation Network: Active reCANet network with 30+ organisations
- Capacity Building Programme: Training for 30+ participants (including 15+ SMEs) integrated into FTPO curricula
- Material Portfolios: At least 3 bio-based CAN resins and 3 sustainable CAN-composites
- EoL Protocols Handbook: Comprehensive guide targeting >75% material recovery
- Industrial Demonstrators: At least 2 functional CAN-composite components validated in SI & AT
- SME Implementation Toolkit: Practical guides and tools for circular business model adoption
Lead Partner:
Faculty of Polymer Technology (FTPO), Slovenia (SI)
Project lead:
DI Dr. Günter Wuzella
Project Partners:
Faculty of Polymer Technology (FTPO), Slovenia (SI) Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH (WOOD), Austria (AT) Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS), Austria (AT) National Institute of Chemistry (NIC), Slovenia (SI) VEPLAS velenjska plastika, d.d. (VEPLAS), Slovenia (SI) CAPiTA MFG GmbH (CAPITA), Austria (AT)
Project periode:
01.02.2026 – 31.12.2028
Project budget:
EUR 1.206.030,63
Research programme / Project ID:
(Interreg SI-AT) Slovenia-Austria
