Researching how to obtain high-value products from aircraft and automotive waste | from RETEMA
The COMPASS project is investigating how to extract high‑value products from end-of-life aircraft and automotive waste. Through its participation in the Horizon Europe–funded initiative, AITIIP Technology Centre will apply its expertise to recover materials such as metal sheets and thermoplastic composite panels, which currently often end up in landfills.
A consortium of 13 international partners is developing advanced dismantling, recovery, and remanufacturing technologies. Moreover, COMPASS will implement a digital component passport to trace every part’s lifecycle, improving quality control and enabling circular production.
The project aims to reduce waste by 30% in both production and end-of-life phases, promoting a more resource-efficient, circular economy. The estimated commercial value of recovered materials is substantial: up to €60 million/year for metal scrap and €500 million/year for composite materials by 2035.
At the core of COMPASS, AITIIP will focus on advanced remanufacturing techniques for high-performance thermoplastic composites, working on innovations in pressing, heating, and tooling to thermo-form dismantled panels into new, usable parts.
Through COMPASS, AITIIP and its partners are advancing a data-driven circular model — extending component lifespans, reducing reliance on virgin materials, and minimizing environmental impact.