Nandina explores new use for recycled carbon
Singapore‑based Nandina Rem is expanding its circular carbon fibre business into the space sector through a partnership with U.S. firm Odyssey Space, aiming to supply recycled carbon fibre for next‑generation spacecraft and orbital research platforms.
Partnership targets space‑grade components
Odyssey Space has secured access to the company’s recycled carbon and phenolic felt products for use in thermal protection systems, lightweight structures and orbital research infrastructure. Those applications demand materials that combine strength, low weight and reliable performance, qualities traditionally associated with expensive, hard‑to‑source space‑grade carbon and phenolic composites.
The collaboration will explore ways to integrate the recycled fibres into mission‑critical components while meeting the stringent standards required for deep‑space operations. Odyssey Space believes the agreement could lower material procurement barriers for commercial partners, potentially speeding up the deployment of space‑based research environments.
Recycling process and capacity growth
The firm recovers carbon fibre from retired aircraft using proprietary technology that preserves aerospace‑grade mechanical properties. Currently it recycles around 40 aircraft each year and plans to double that number before reaching a target of 100 aircraft in the near future.
Recently the start‑up announced Singapore’s first commercially scaled carbon fibre production facility, funded in part by an EUR 88 000 grant from the Temasek Foundation. The plant can treat up to five tonnes of carbon fibre sheets per month, a capacity intended to serve aerospace, defence, energy and unmanned systems markets.
Company chief executive Karina Cady said the output could support components for hundreds of large uncrewed aerial systems or thousands of smaller drones.
So far, recycling activities have diverted aviation materials equivalent to 280 tonnes of CO₂ and achieved a 71 % reduction in energy use compared with virgin carbon fibre production.
Related: Plastic Recyclers See Market Turnaround
The move comes as commercial space activities broaden beyond satellite deployment, with emerging uses such as microgravity manufacturing, life‑sciences research and advanced materials development.
By offering a lower‑cost, circular alternative, the company hopes to make space‑grade materials more accessible to a wider range of operators.
The partnership could illustrate how recycled resources fit into a resilient supply chain for space hardware.
Odyssey Space’s role includes providing the advanced design and technical execution needed to embed the high‑purity circular materials into future orbital platforms, a task that will require close coordination with spacecraft engineers and testing agencies.
“This agreement shows that circular materials can meet the performance standards required for deep‑tech infrastructure,” Cady said. “Odyssey Space provides the advanced design and technical execution necessary to integrate our high‑purity circular materials into future orbital platforms.”
The partnership marks a new frontier.
