Resources and circularity

Why circularity and resource use matters

At Airbus, we embed circularity practices and responsible resource management into our processes.

We take a lifecycle approach to our products by investing at the supply, design and materials stage to create dependable and efficient products that are made to last. We aim to minimise waste and incorporate circular approaches throughout the design and manufacturing process, for example finding ways to reuse industrial scrap. When an Airbus aircraft reaches the end of its serviceable life, around 90% of the constituent parts by pass are able to be recovered or recycled.

Circularity at Airbus follows the recognised framework of principles that begin with the letter R. These Rs can be roughly summarised into three categories: we consider what we need, and use it smarter, longer and again.

Smarter, longer and again

To use products in a way that is smarter, we consider how we can better use and manufacture them: we refuse, rethink and reduce.

To use products for longer, we extend the lifespan of the products: we reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture and repurpose.

To use products again, we try to apply the materials in a way that is useful: we recycle or recover the energy from them.

Future-materials-Algae

Smarter

A circular economy approach prioritises decisions at the design phase which deliver the greatest opportunity to eliminate waste and circulate products at their highest value.

To apply this philosophy, we rethink traditional materials and investigate innovative manufacturing processes to reduce overall material use. For instance, we have tested bio-based carbon fibre on our PioneerLab demonstrator and we practice additive layer manufacturing, which reduces material use and waste.

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Maintenance in hangar

Longer

Highly dependable, durable and readily repairable, Airbus aircraft are built to last for more than 20 years.

To prolong the life of our products, we have a wide MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul organisations) network and we provide aftermarket services through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Satair.

Some materials may also lend themselves well to being repurposed. For example, we are working with partners to test the potential for reheating and reshaping thermoplastics.

Discover our MRO services Read the story: A380 pylon part recycling for A320neo

Titanium sponge and a part made from titanium

Titanium, from sponge to part

Again

Airbus is a pioneer in demonstrating the feasibility of recycling aircraft at end-of-life, with innovative facilities such as our Airbus Lifecycle Services Center in Chengdu, China.

We also work with industry partners to capitalise on the ready recyclability of metals, and have in place a functioning revert loop for titanium where titanium scrap from our operations can be recycled to create aerospace-grade titanium. We are also working on another solution to create a revert loop for aluminium.