SUSTAINABILITY

CARBON FIBER RECYCLING PROGRAM

Thousands of carbon fiber bicycles end up in landfills each year, and we want to change that by helping to establish a take back stream for carbon fiber. Based on existing carbon fiber recycling programs used by the aerospace industry, we now have the ability to steer bikes away from the landfills and back into usable goods.

SUSTAINABILITY

CARBON FIBER RECYCLING PROGRAM

Thousands of carbon fiber bicycles end up in landfills each year, and we want to change that by helping to establish a take back stream for carbon fiber. Based on existing carbon fiber recycling programs used by the aerospace industry, we now have the ability to steer bikes away from the landfills and back into usable goods.

The process of recycling carbon fiber consists of chopping frames into smaller sections, then burning off the epoxy that holds the fibers together in an oxygen-free environment. This results in shorter fibers with the same properties as the original material, which can then be used in a variety of products. And while we've been successful in keeping frames out of the landfill, we have yet to develop enough demand for the recycled fiber. We are currently evaluating ways to utilize the short carbon fibers blended with plastic for use in injection-molded parts.

Visit a participating Specialized retailer to learn more.