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Michigan State University scientists have developed a recyclable wind turbine blade resin that can be transformed into new blades, car parts, countertops—and even gummy bears.

 

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Wind turbine blades are enormous, strong, and difficult to recycle. Traditionally made from fiberglass composites, most blades that reach the end of their life end up in landfills. But a new breakthrough from Michigan State University could change that—bringing wind energy closer to a true circular economy.

Researchers led by Professor John Dorgan have created a new composite resin that combines glass fibers with both plant-based and synthetic polymers. Unlike conventional materials, this resin can be broken down and reused at the end of its life.

When processed in an alkaline solution, the resin produces potassium lactate, a food-grade material found in sports drinks and sweets. To demonstrate, Dorgan even sampled gummy bears made from the process—highlighting how renewable materials can be safely cycled back into consumer products.

 

The same recycled resin can also be turned into:

• New turbine blades (“turbine-to-turbine” recycling)

• PMMA acrylic for windows, taillights, and car parts

• Countertops and sinks

• Superabsorbent polymers used in diapers

 

The innovation could help solve one of the biggest sustainability challenges in the renewables sector: the disposal of retired wind turbine blades. While the technology is still in its research stage, it demonstrates how wind power can move toward a truly circular, zero-waste model.

With innovation like this, the future of wind energy isn’t just renewable—it’s recyclable.