Nandina REM explores recycled carbon fibre in space tech
Singapina-based Nandina REM is expanding the use of recycled carbon fibre into space applications through a partnership with U.S. space systems company Odyssey Space.
The collaboration will provide high-purity recycled carbon and phenolic felt materials for spacecraft, orbital research platforms, and space infrastructure. It represents an early effort to introduce circular materials into the commercial space sector, where performance requirements are strict and costs have been high.
Recycled materials meet space-grade demands
Odyssey Space will incorporate Nandina REM’s recycled carbon fibre in thermal protection systems, lightweight structures, and orbital research infrastructure. These components need materials that combine strength, low weight, and reliable performance—qualities once limited to costly virgin carbon fibre.
Nandina REM recovers carbon fibre from retired aircraft using a proprietary process that maintains aerospace-grade properties. The method cuts production costs while preserving material integrity, offering a practical alternative for space applications.
The change may reduce supply chain pressures in an industry where material sourcing has been a recurring challenge. For Odyssey Space, recycled carbon fibre could make space-based research more accessible to commercial partners.
The partnership also supports sustainability efforts in space, where the environmental impact of manufacturing and launches faces increasing scrutiny. Recycled materials may help lessen that impact without compromising performance.
From aircraft to orbit
Nandina REM currently processes carbon fibre from about 40 aircraft each year. The company aims to double that number in 2024 and eventually reach 100 aircraft annually. Its Singapore facility, announced earlier this year, can handle up to five tonnes of carbon fibre sheets monthly—enough to produce parts for hundreds of large drones or thousands of smaller ones.
The facility serves aerospace, defense, energy, and unmanned systems markets. An €88,000 investment from the Temasek Foundation helped fund its expansion into advanced materials recycling.
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To date, the company’s efforts have avoided emissions equivalent to 280 tonnes of CO₂. It also reports using 71% less energy than producing new carbon fibre, a difference that could influence how the industry sources materials at scale.
Karina Cady, Nandina REM’s CEO, stated the partnership proves circular materials can meet the strict performance needs of deep-tech infrastructure. “Odyssey Space brings the technical expertise to integrate our high-purity recycled materials into orbital platforms,” she said.
A growing market beyond satellites
The commercial space sector is moving into new areas like microgravity manufacturing, life sciences research, and materials development. These fields require lightweight, durable components.
Odyssey Space views the partnership as a way to make space-based research more accessible. Lower material costs and reduced supply chain risks could open opportunities for more companies.
Cady sees broader potential. “Future spacecraft may use materials recovered from old aircraft,” she said. That approach fits an industry trend: as space commercializes, demand for affordable, sustainable materials is rising.
Whether recycled carbon fibre can consistently meet space’s extreme conditions remains to be seen. If successful, the shift could change how the industry sources and reuses critical materials.
Investors are watching closely, as cost-effective solutions become increasingly important in a competitive market.
