The use of carbon fiber-reinforced polyether ether ketone (CF/PEEK) composites has exponentially grown across various high-performance industries, including aerospace and marine sectors, primarily due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and durability. This surge in utilization, however, has concurrently led to a significant increase in manufacturing waste, particularly in the form of offcuts from processes like laser-assisted tape placement (LATP). While CF/PEEK composites offer unparalleled benefits in application, the environmental and economic ramifications of their production waste have emerged as a pressing challenge. The industry's current practices in handling CF/PEEK offcut waste—often involving disposal in landfills or incineration—pose severe environmental threats. Notably, the production of virgin CF and its composites is energy-intensive, contributing to a substantial carbon footprint. Moreover, the non-biodegradable nature of these materials exacerbates landfill issues, leading to a pressing need for sustainable waste management solutions. Read more: addcomposites.com/...