Cannon unveiled the POSSIBLE circularity platform for polyurethane and PU-glass-fiber composites at JEC World 2026 in Paris, targeting enhanced resource reuse, alignment with thermoset-thermoplastic trends, and industry-wide supply chain and workforce challenges. The POSSIBLE initiative-PrOduce SuStainabLE Industrial Bodies-integrates recycling processes with advanced manufacturing systems, reflecting the industry's call for material standardization and cross-material adaptability.
Background
The composites sector faces mounting demands to adopt circular production models and harmonize processes for both thermosets and thermoplastics. While thermoset composites remain prevalent in high-performance automotive and aerospace sectors, their recyclability and longer processing cycles present limitations1Thermoset Composites Market Size, Trends, Scope & Forecast. By comparison, thermoplastic composites are favored for their recyclability, shaping flexibility, and compliance with sustainability requirements2Report says sustainability is driving use of thermoplastics. These trends are driving growth in integrated systems that support different material types and embed recycling into manufacturing workflows.
Details
Developed in partnership with MAP S.p.A. and the University of Bergamo, Cannon's POSSIBLE platform showcases mechanical recycling of rigid polyurethane (PU) foams and PU-glass-fiber-reinforced composites (GFRPs) into new composite matrices. Two methods are featured: converting rigid PU scrap into micrometric powders (PU-A and PU-B) incorporated into the polyol stream at up to 20 wt% of polyol (about 5 wt% of foam), and adding granulated PU/GFRP waste using FPL 36 IW Interwet-LFI technology. Panels with up to 40 wt% recycled granules exhibited even dispersion and only a 4% increase in thermal conductivity at 3% powder loading, maintaining insulation performance3Cannon to present PU and PU-GFRP recycling solutions at JEC.
In addition, Cannon is presenting the NEXUS intelligent mold thermoregulation system. NEXUS embeds composite materials as localized heating elements within the mold, enabling zoned thermal management, energy savings exceeding 70%, reduced heat-up times (from roughly one hour to eight minutes), and optimized processing for RIM and thermoset applications4Cannon will introduce the all-new NEXUS system at JEC World.
The platform extends to aerospace and defense, featuring thermocompression lines, vacuum processes, and resin injection technologies for both thermoplastic and thermoset composite manufacturing5JEC World 2026 | Cannon. High-tonnage, compact short-stroke compression presses designed with Taylor Engineering & Plastics address space constraints while supporting a range of material systems5JEC World 2026 | Cannon.
Outlook
Cannon projects that these integrated solutions will facilitate transitions between material systems, advance circular supply chains, and prepare the industry for evolving regulatory standards. Continued growth in scalable applications will require workforce development in composite recycling and hybrid material processing.
