Gard rhodanien: Extracthive has reached an important milestone in the development of its innovative carbon fiber recycling process

The Extracthive team innovates, in the service of a more sustainable industry. Here in its new experimental laboratory. Midi Libre – C. C.

The start-up inaugurated a new test hall in Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres on Thursday, December 5. An important step before the creation of a factory so that its carbon fiber recycling process can be deployed on a large scale.  

An important milestone was celebrated on Thursday, December 5 by the start-up Extracthive, whose head office is in L’Ardoise. The team of fourteen people had invited 80 people (elected officials, financiers and partners in research and development, and industrialists) for the inauguration of its new test hall that it designed and built this summer in the Tésan area of ​​Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, in order to accelerate the development of its carbon fiber recycling technology.
Created in 2015 by Frédéric Goettmann, the start-up began in Marcoule and the CEA “to develop processes for recycling or reusing waste. We worked on a lot of subjects. And we became interested in carbon fiber early on“, summarizes Frédéric Goettmann. This composite material is used in industry for the manufacture of robust and lightweight parts (aeronautics, wind power, etc.). The carbon fiber recycling and revalorization process that Extracthive patented in 2018 is unique in the world. It is called PHYre®. “Composite waste poses a huge problem in terms of recycling: 85% of this waste is currently buried or incinerated. Thanks to our solution, we are able to produce a carbon fiber with mechanical properties similar to virgin fiber, but with an environmental impact ten times lower than the latter. However, on the market, only 2% of fibers are recycled fibers, and that is exactly what we are trying to change”, summarizes Aurore Sanchez, innovative project manager.

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A desert crossing and unwavering support

Working for a more sustainable world is the motivation of the researchers at Extracthive, and of the shareholders and financiers who believe in this solution.
Once recycled, carbon fiber can be reused, for example for bicycle pedals. “It's a great source of pride, for example we made a part for a Vent des Globes ship”, quotes Frédéric Goettmann. But the life of innovative companies is not a long quiet river. The director summed it up in his speech: “Our reason for being is innovation, in the service of a more sustainable industry. And we don't innovate alone”, it is “thanks to all of you who have reached out to us […].Since 2019, the company has experienced a long period of hardship. These years have been an opportunity to question our priorities”.
This new 400 m2 space includes a laboratory area and a 20 m2 ventilated box for pilot tests. “Today, we want to create something bigger”, by the end of 2026. The bold team hopes to open a factory in 2028.
Among the audience of guests (some came from Lyon or Bordeaux), the president of the Agglo du Gard rhodanien, Jean-Christian Rey, said: “The region is very proud to welcome you. Creating, helping each other, is the strength and power of the economic world”, recalling that industry provides a quarter of the jobs in the territory. “You are a very good example of how difficult it is to do things, to do them well.” As mayor of Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, Sylvie Barrieu-Vignal says she is honored and proud to welcome a start-up to her commune's lands “in the midst of a period of resilience”.

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