Frequently Asked Questions: Recycled PBO, PBI & Aramid Technical Fibers
Technical answers for R&D engineers and procurement teams evaluating recycled high-performance fibers for industrial, defence, aerospace and PPE applications.
High-performance fibers such as PBO and PBI are traditionally manufactured for demanding industrial and protective applications. Recycling has emerged as a technically validated, cost-effective alternative for a wide range of use cases. The FAQ sections below address the most common technical and procurement questions our engineering partners ask before specifying recycled PBO, PBI or aramid fibers.
Virgin vs. recycled PBO/PBI: what changes and what does not?
The core thermal and molecular properties of PBO and PBI are preserved through our mechanical recovery process. The primary structural difference lies in fiber length — recycled fibers are shorter, producing slightly thicker yarn profiles that in many applications offer enhanced bulk insulation. We include a full technical comparison table covering fiber origin, yarn structure, performance and sustainability metrics.
Read the full Virgin vs. Recycled PBO/PBI technical comparison →
Do recycled PBO and PBI textiles offer comparable performance to virgin materials?
Yes — and we have the independent lab data to prove it. Our PBO/PREOX/PARA blends have been tested by LEITAT under EN ISO 11612:2015, achieving Code C4 radiant heat resistance (RHTI 24 of 124.1 seconds) and Code A1 limited flame spread. Full test report available.
Read the full performance comparison and download the LEITAT test report →
Can recycled PBO and PBI be combined with other high-performance fibers?
Yes. We specialise in multicomponent blends — what we call “performance cocktails” — combining recycled PBO and PBI with para-aramid, meta-aramid, and pre-oxidised (PREOX) fibers. We believe we are currently the only spinner in the world successfully blending recycled PBO and PBI together in a single yarn. Blends can be tuned for maximum thermal performance, cost optimisation, or ergonomic flexibility.
Read the full advanced blends and performance cocktails guide →
What industrial applications are recycled PBO and PBI fibers used in?
Recycled PBO and PBI are specified across aerospace thermal shielding, defence and military PPE, proximity firefighting suits, electric arc protection, automotive underhood barriers, high-temperature industrial gaskets, and structural composites. Our industrial applications guide covers the full range with sector-specific performance requirements.
Read the industrial applications guide →
What are the sustainability and environmental advantages?
Recycling PBO and PBI avoids new polymer synthesis, with water savings of up to 90–95% and energy reductions of up to 70% versus virgin fiber production. All our materials are produced through a certified circular-economy process at our Sabadell (Barcelona) facility.
Read the full environmental impact analysis →
Are recycled PBO and PBI textiles suitable for defence and tactical applications?
Yes. Our recycled blends have been independently tested to EN ISO 11612 achieving Code C4 — the elite classification for radiant heat. We engineer bespoke solutions for fragment protection, flight suits, and flame-resistant combat uniforms that meet strict military specifications while reducing procurement cost.
Read the defence applications guide →
How are recycled PBO/PBI yarns used in fiber optics and telecommunications?
Our high-modulus recycled yarns serve as strength members in fiber optic cables, including ADSS and submarine networks, where high tensile strength, dielectric properties, and creep resistance are essential. A sustainable, European-made alternative to virgin aramid and PBO strength members.
Read the fiber optics and telecommunications applications guide →
Are recycled high-performance fibers suitable for EV battery insulation?
Yes. Our recycled PBO, PBI and aramid blends achieve EN ISO 11612 Code C4 thermal rating, making them validated for fire-blocking barriers in high-voltage 800V EV battery systems — addressing thermal runaway risk while avoiding the supply chain delays associated with virgin materials.
Read the EV battery insulation guide →
How do lightweight recycled PBO blends benefit aerospace logistics and cargo transport?
Recycled PBO blends offer exceptional tensile strength at significantly lower weight than metallic or conventional fabric barriers — making them the preferred choice for fireproof cargo covers (ULDs) and container linings transporting lithium-ion batteries and other sensitive cargo, while meeting airworthiness fire-safety standards.
Read the aerospace logistics and cargo transport guide →
Have a technical question not covered here? Our engineering team is available for specification support, sample requests, and technical data sheets.