What are the benefits of TECH-FAB's life cycle assessment of European fiberglass and its reference significance for my country's composite materials industry?
TECH-FAB Europe, the European association of technical textile producers, has published a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study on glass fabrics. The publication, an industry first, clearly highlights the environmental benefits of having a strong European supply chain for these products. A strong European fiberglass supply chain is essential to enable European manufacturers to create sustainable composite solutions for a wide range of markets.
The new report, Life Cycle Assessment of Glass Fabrics, was produced as part of a TECH-FAB Europe project to develop association-level Life Cycle Assessments of key technical textile products. The cradle-to-gate analysis was performed by PwC. TECH-FAB Europe's members represent approximately 95% of glass fabric production in Europe.
3 key findings:
(1) From raw material extraction to factory gate, producing 1 kg of glass fabric in Europe generates an average of 2.21 kg of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gas emissions and 39 MJ of primary energy demand.
(2) Most of the impact is driven by the production of fiberglass, which accounts for 89% of the final product's carbon footprint.
(3) European manufacturers of composite solutions can significantly reduce their environmental impact by using glass fabrics produced in Europe.
Rémi Bagard, glass fabric expert and member of the TECH-FAB Europe Sustainability Working Group, said: "From wind energy, construction, automotive, to sports and leisure and more, composites based on glass fabrics are helping many industries to decarbonize in line with the EU's net zero emissions target. This life cycle assessment further demonstrates the sustainability of the European glass fabric industry and reinforces the need to support its continued growth and competitiveness. Our customers can also incorporate this data into their own life cycle assessment calculations to work towards designing more sustainable composite materials."
Raphael Planet, Secretary General of TECH-FAB Europe: "TECH-FAB Europe is the voice of the European technical textiles industry. We recognize that life cycle assessment is critical to driving informed decisions and improving environmental performance along the supply chain, and are proud to share this new data with policymakers, customers and other stakeholders. Our members will also be able to use the calculated averages as a benchmark to identify potential areas for improvement. "
The article's study on the life cycle assessment (LCA) of European fiberglass fabrics has the following reference significance for my country's composite materials industry:
1. Strengthen the environmental advantages of the local supply chain
European research shows that localized production of glass fiber fabrics can significantly reduce carbon footprint (1kg of product only produces 2.21kg CO₂). my country can learn from this model and reduce emissions from transportation and intermediate links by improving the local supply chain, while improving the resilience of the industrial chain.
2. Pay attention to emission reduction in key links
The study found that the fiberglass production link accounts for a high proportion of the carbon footprint of the final product. Chinese companies should focus on the greening of raw material production, such as promoting clean energy (such as photovoltaics, hydrogen energy) or optimizing production processes to significantly reduce the overall environmental impact.
3. The application of standardized LCA tools
Europe provides a unified benchmark for the industry through LCA research led by industry associations. my country can promote industry associations or third-party organizations to conduct similar research, formulate industry standards, and help companies quantify environmental performance and identify room for improvement.
4. Policy and market synergy
Europe emphasizes the supporting role of glass fiber fabrics in decarbonization industries such as wind power and automobiles. my country can combine the "dual carbon" goals and include composite materials in the scope of green industry policy support, such as encouraging low-carbon technology research and development through subsidies or tax incentives.
5. International cooperation and competitive awareness
Europe strengthens its industry sustainability competitiveness through LCA data. Chinese companies need to benchmark international standards while exploring differentiated advantages (such as cost or technological innovation) to meet the global market demand for low-carbon products.
6. Cross-industry collaboration model
TECH-FAB Europe has jointly conducted research with many companies, reflecting the value of collaboration. my country can encourage industry-university-research cooperation to form a technology sharing platform to accelerate the application and innovation of composite materials in new energy, transportation and other fields.
Summary
my country's composite materials industry needs to start from supply chain optimization, key emission reduction, standardized tools, policy guidance and other aspects, combined with local realities, to promote green transformation. At the same time, actively participate in the formulation of international standards to enhance global competitiveness.
