Toray Composite Materials America, a leading manufacturer and supplier of carbon fibre and prepreg materials, has announced the execution of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) adding Elevated Materials as a provider of repurposing services for its Tacoma, Washington facility. Under the three-year agreement, Elevated Materials will repurpose Toray scrap prepreg materials, including slit-edge and full-width prepreg sheets.

Elevated Materials' mission is to eliminate carbon fibre waste in the aerospace industry. Since its founding, the company has successfully diverted 200,000 pounds of carbon fibre waste through its innovative upcycling process. Elevated Materials transforms this waste into press-cured carbon fibre sheets, plates, and blocks, which have applications in various industries, from sports equipment to manufacturing accessories and drones, the company said in a press release.

The agreement between the two companies is a testament to their shared commitment to prioritise sustainable solutions in response to the planet's growing environmental challenges. Their focused efforts aim to make a positive ecological impact by reducing waste, conserving resources, and decreasing pollution.

"Collaborating with the Toray team on tough sustainability challenges has been a rewarding experience. Their expertise and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in sustainable composite materials. Together, we are making significant strides towards a more sustainable future," said Ryan Olliges, founder and CEO of Elevated Materials.

The MOU is a significant and strategic step towards supporting Toray's sustainability vision. This vision includes achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and managing resources sustainably.

"Our commitment to repurposing waste material underscores our dedication to sustainability and innovation. With this initiative, we are reducing our environmental footprint and setting a new standard for responsible manufacturing," said Jeff Hawkey, senior vice president of operations at Toray.