Epsilon Composite, Nova Carbon demonstrate pultruded beam incorporating more than 30% rCF
The industrial application, already qualified for adoption by the client, demonstrates a short-loop circular model that minimizes logistical flows while maximizing material valorization.
Partners highlighted the pultruded rCF beam at JEC World 2026. From left to right: Vincent Gamboa (co-founder of Nova Carbon), Alexandre Lull (deputy CEO of Epsilon Composite), Ambroise Latron (R&D director, Epsilon Composite) and Hugo Cartron (co-founder of Nova Carbon). Source | Epsilon Composite
Epsilon Composite (Gaillan en Médoc, France) and Nova Carbon (Mérignac, France) have collaboratively developed a series of pultruded carbon fiber machine beams incorporating more than 30% recycled fibers, directly sourced from Epsilon Composite’s production scrap. After assembly with metal plates and precision machining to ensure tight geometric tolerances, these beams are intended for integration into a client’s industrial machines.
Epsilon’s carbon fiber scrap was collected and recycled by Nova Carbon, then reintegrated by Epsilon into its pultrusion process, which enables the continuous production of composite profiles. The two neighboring companies, located near Bordeaux in France, demonstrate the feasibility of a short-loop circular model, minimizing logistical flows while maximizing material valorization.
The partners say that, to date, this project represents the first structural industrial application of pultrusion integrating a significant proportion of recycled carbon fibers (rCF).
Since the highlight of a proof-of-concept profile at JEC World 2025, the project has moved toward industrialization, with the finished part qualified for adoption by an industrial client. The rapid transition from laboratory to concrete application and commercialization demonstrates the maturity of the technology, and concretely illustrates the integration of a material recycling solution from the design phase of processes and products. Furthermore, the collaboration exemplifies the synergies possible between an industrial company with market access and substantial production capabilities, and the innovations provided by a technology startup.
The collaboration between Epsilon Composite and Nova Carbon has already enabled the valorization of more than 1.8 tonnes of production scrap, generating measurable environmental benefits:
- 29 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent avoided.
- 330,000 megajoules of fossil resources saved.
- >4,600 cubic meters of water preserved.
These results align with a methodological approach consistent with environmental assessment standards (ISO 14069), comparing the impacts of recycling against a reference scenario based on virgin material use.
Related Content
-
Plant tour: Aernnova Composites, Toledo and Illescas, Spain
RTM and ATL/AFP high-rate production sites feature this composites and engineering leader’s continued push for excellence and innovation for future airframes.
-
Prepreg compression molding supports higher-rate propeller manufacturing
To meet increasing UAV market demands, Mejzlik Propellers has added a higher-rate compression molding line to its custom CFRP propeller capabilities.
-
Carbon fiber, bionic design achieve peak performance in race-ready production vehicle
Porsche worked with Action Composites to design and manufacture an innovative carbon fiber safety cage option to lightweight one of its series race vehicles, built in a one-shot compression molding process.
