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The alliance between Gazechim Composites Ibérica, Graphenano, and Polymec S.L. is set to revolutionize the construction sector and promote the use of composite materials within this industry.
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Among the technological challenges posed by the materials used in the construction sector, one of the most notable is the need for continuous innovation to achieve products with greater added value — featuring new designs and improved properties — while remaining aligned with a sustainable development model that reduces resource consumption and waste generation. In this regard, the circular economy represents a major opportunity from a business, social, and environmental standpoint.

In this context, Polymec, GLS 2014, and Yesos Rubio, in collaboration with the Technological Centre for Marble, Stone and Materials, have launched the project GREENMUR – Transition to a Greener Regional Industry through Circular Economy Processes in the Fiberglass, Marble, and Plaster Sector via Additive Manufacturing. The initiative incorporates Additive Manufacturing technology to process marble sludge and plaster waste, reinforcing them with fiberglass residues to produce new commercial prefabricated products.

The project will help reduce the consumption of mineral resources in the construction sector, minimize waste generation, and manufacture new products using Industry 4.0 technologies such as Additive Manufacturing, generating significant environmental, social, and economic benefits.

The project has been funded through the R&D Challenges Program of the Region of Murcia and has received financial support from the Development Institute of the Region of Murcia (INFO) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

In Europe, transport accounts for nearly a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions. One of the key strategies to combat this environmental impact is to reduce vehicle weight, which not only lowers fuel consumption but also improves performance, decreases the load on suspension and braking systems, and supports the development of electric vehicles, where range remains a major challenge.

RECOTRANS Project

POLYMEC is participating in the RECOTRANS project, whose goal is to develop technologies and design solutions that reduce vehicle weight without increasing costs. To achieve this, the project is developing multi-material thermoplastic components that both reduce part weight and allow for more complex designs. It also incorporates microwave curing in the manufacturing process to shorten production times and lower energy consumption, as well as metal–polymer hybrid welding to reduce raw material use and improve process standardization and automation. All of this is supported by an intelligent production line monitoring system.

The outcome of this innovative system will be the development of three demonstrators in the automotive, truck, and railway sectors: a car door, a truck cab rear suspension, and an interior panel for a train carriage. Early results from the project show that, after producing the first prototypes, there has been a significant reduction in both costs and energy consumption compared to conventional composites, as well as a viable path toward recycling and reprocessing recycled thermoplastic composites.

The RECOTRANS project, which began in October 2017 and will conclude in October 2021, is funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 program, and involves 13 partners from seven different countries. The developments achieved through this project will also be applicable to other industries.

The latest tests carried out within the GREENMUR project – Transition to a Greener Regional Industry through Circular Economy Processes in the Fiberglass, Marble, and Plaster Sector via Additive Manufacturing have led to the development of a 3D printing material made from marble waste and fiberglass combined with white cement.

We are currently determining the recommended proportions of the three types of waste materials — marble sludge, gypsum powder, and fiberglass (both powdered and fibrous) — to achieve optimal results for 3D extrusion printing, as the mixtures behave as self-compacting concretes. In addition, we will establish the fundamental criteria for non-structural applications (fillings, urban furniture, pavements, sculptures, blocks, etc.) and structural applications in building and civil engineering (use in columns, walls, and floor slabs).

The project is coordinated by the companies Polymec, GLS 2014, and Yesos Rubio, in collaboration with the Technological Centre for Marble, Stone and Materials, and has received financial support from the Development Institute of the Region of Murcia (INFO) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).