Press release: Groundbreaking recycling solution for wind turbine blades unveiled

REGEN Fiber’s sustainable process keeps blades out of landfills by converting them into raw materials for a variety of industries 

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (January 12, 2023) – A new Iowa business is launching an innovative way to recycle wind turbine blades that are no longer in use, so they don’t end up in landfills. REGEN Fiber, owned by Travero, has created a patent-pending and eco-friendly process to convert these decommissioned wind turbine blades into reusable materials for manufacturers in the concrete, mortar and other industries.

The primary end-product is a top-performing reinforcement fiber that increases the strength and overall durability of concrete and mortar applications such as pavement, slabs-on-grade and precast concrete products.

By preventing decommissioned wind turbine blades from ending up in landfills or releasing combustion byproducts, such as carbon, to the atmosphere if burned, REGEN Fiber’s new and sustainable solution is helping to solve the wind industry’s growing challenge of finding environmentally friendly ways for disposing of wind turbine components.

According to the American Clean Power Association, wind energy is the largest renewable energy source in the United States and “nearly 70,000 wind turbines across the country are generating clean, reliable power.”

“With tremendous growth projected in the wind industry and an increasing number of turbines already reaching the end of their approximately 20-year lifespan, REGEN Fiber is entering the market at the perfect time,” said Jeff Woods, Director of Business Development at Travero. “Recycling blades without using heat or chemicals while simultaneously keeping them out of landfills or being burned supports the sustainability goals of both the wind industry and customers receiving the end products.”

A new manufacturing facility for REGEN Fiber to recycle decommissioned blades is currently being constructed in Fairfax, Iowa, next to Travero’s Logistics Park Cedar Rapids. Travero, along with its subsidiary Travero Logistics, supports REGEN Fiber and its customers with all aspects related to the transportation of turbine blades and finished products across North America.

“Travero’s extensive experience and expertise in supply chain and logistics, production operations and material handling are bringing REGEN Fiber’s new recycling process to life,” said Woods. “We are proud to supply manufacturers with high-quality products that are made in the United States while helping to protect the environment for future generations.”

For media inquiries, call (319) 786-4040 or contact REGEN Fiber for more information about products and services.