World's First Bio-based Thermoplastic Composite Photovoltaic Frame Project Officially Launched
February 17, 2025, Shanghai – In the context of the global exploration of sustainable development paths, bio-based composites, with their good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and renewable sources, are becoming an important force in promoting a green, low-carbon, and circular economy. Recently, Shanghai Cathay Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Cathay Biotech") and Fuyang Transportation and Energy Investment Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Fuyang Transportation and Energy") officially announced the launch of the world's first bio-based thermoplastic composite photovoltaic frame application project, marking an important step forward in the application of bio-based composites in the renewable energy sector.
This project is the core content of the strategic cooperation agreement signed between Cathay Biotech and Fuyang Transportation and Energy during the 17th (2024) International Photovoltaic and Smart Energy Conference (Shanghai). Based on Cathay Biotech's self-developed bio-based polyamide materials, the two parties will jointly create a demonstration project for the application of bio-based thermoplastic composite photovoltaic frames in Fuyang City. The project aims to realize a new material substitution for current photovoltaic aluminum frames, driving the photovoltaic industry towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable direction.
Bio-based thermoplastic composites are a type of high-performance material composed of thermoplastic resin matrices and bio-based reinforcements (such as natural fibers, nanocellulose, etc.) through specific processing techniques. They not only possess reprocessability, excellent impact resistance, and high toughness but also offer significant advantages such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and renewable sources. These characteristics make bio-based thermoplastic composites have broad application prospects in various fields such as aerospace, automobile manufacturing, and sporting goods.
In the photovoltaic industry, traditional aluminum frames, although having certain strength and durability, have non-negligible environmental impacts during production and use. In contrast, bio-based thermoplastic composite photovoltaic frames can effectively reduce carbon emissions and minimize environmental impacts. Meanwhile, due to the renewability of bio-based materials, the implementation of this project will also contribute to promoting the circular economy in the photovoltaic industry.
As a leading enterprise in the global biomanufacturing industry, Cathay Biotech has achieved technological breakthroughs and large-scale production of a series of bio-based long-chain dicarboxylic acids, bio-based pentanediamine, and a series of bio-based polyamides, among others, from scratch. This collaboration with Fuyang Transportation and Energy is not only an important layout for Cathay Biotech in the field of bio-based composites but also a significant initiative to promote the sustainable development of the photovoltaic industry.
It is reported that the project will jointly plan the industrialization and implementation of bio-based composite photovoltaic frame manufacturing projects in Fuyang City and further explore cooperation in the application demonstration, promotion, and industrialization of bio-based composites in more fields such as renewable energy, transportation, and modern architecture. In the future, the two parties will continue to deepen their cooperation and jointly promote the application and development of bio-based composites globally.
With the increasing global emphasis on sustainable development, bio-based composites, as an important component of the green, low-carbon, and circular economy, have increasingly broad market prospects. According to MarketsandMarkets, the global bio-based composites market was valued at approximately USD 15 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach approximately USD 30 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 15%. This collaboration between Cathay Biotech and Fuyang Transportation and Energy will undoubtedly inject new momentum into the development of the bio-based composites market.
