Lenovo uses Toray’s recycled carbon fiber in ThinkPads

Toray recently announced that the company has successfully recovered and reused Toray carbon fiber used in the production of Boeing 787 parts through a pyrolysis process. Subsequently, Hong Kong consumer electronics company Lenovo launched its ThinkPad X1
Recycled carbon fiber is used in carbon Gen 12 as a reinforcing filler for the thermoplastic particles. Toray and Lenovo will continue to collaborate to expand the use of recycled carbon fiber in other Lenovo products.

Torayca is a proven aerospace material known for its high strength, stiffness and lightweight properties. Toray began supplying Boeing in 1975, when the company first introduced Torayca
T300 carbon fiber is used in commercial applications on the Boeing 737. Since then, Toray has supplied high-performance carbon fiber and highly toughened primary structural carbon fiber composite prepregs in a variety of projects. The new recycled carbon fiber was developed in response to Boeing’s efforts to reduce the amount of solid waste entering landfills and produce recyclable materials.

Boeing has partnered with universities and industry to help advance technology for recycling carbon fiber from composites, the aerospace company said.

For Lenovo, the product offers a way to reduce the carbon footprint of its products.

Yasumichi, executive director of commercial product solution development at Lenovo
“Lenovo is committed to implementing sustainable practices and striving to have a positive impact on society and the environment through our business,” said Tsukamoto. “Working with Toray and Boeing to integrate recycled carbon fiber materials into our next-generation ThinkPads
X1 carbon is another step in our transformation to a circular economy. ”

A key advantage of carbon fiber is that it retains its primary mechanical properties even after the recycling process. Therefore, Toray is actively working to advance recycling technology and establish a strategic business model for recycled carbon fiber. The company is promoting the use of recycled carbon fiber in customers’ products, noting that there may be environmental benefits as recycled carbon fiber has a lower carbon footprint compared to virgin fiber, in line with Toray’s commitment to promoting a circular economy and reducing Landfill efforts remain consistent.