Support research for recycling of aircraft materials
The Aethos Foundation is dedicated to finding sustainable solutions for the materials left behind when aircraft or their components reach the end of their life.
Where Do Aircraft Parts Go When They’re Grounded for Good?
While engines and avionics from retired aircraft are often salvaged and reused, the fate of the remaining materials is far less promising—and largely overlooked. Aircraft recycling companies face significant challenges when it comes to processing the complex mix of metals, composites, plastics, and chemicals that make up the rest of the plane. Many of these materials are difficult, if not impossible, to recycle with current technology, and for some hazardous substances, no recycling options exist at all. As a result, a substantial portion of an aircraft’s structure and interior still ends up in landfills. Although some progress has been made in reusing and recycling certain components, there is still a long way to go before the industry can claim true sustainability. The reality is that too many materials and chemicals are discarded, and the problem remains largely unnoticed, raising serious concerns about the environmental impact of aircraft retirement.
Sustainable solutions for aircraft materials
The Aethos Foundation is dedicated to finding sustainable solutions for the materials left behind when aircraft or their components reach the end of their life. Our mission is to ensure that these materials—many of which currently pose a challenge—are recycled in the most environmentally responsible way possible. We actively support research into innovative recycling methods and promote the development of new technologies to address the complex mix of metals, composites, plastics, and chemicals found in aircraft. In addition, Aethos strengthens the professional network of stakeholders working on these challenges, raising awareness and sharing knowledge so that everyone involved in the aircraft recycling process can contribute to a more sustainable future.
How your donation will be used
Aethos invests in research and try-outs. This can be seen in:
Research into methods of recycling
Facilitating research into methods of recycling aircraft materials in the most sustainable way.
Research into innovation
Facilitating research into innovation in the field of recycling aircraft materials.
Research into the environmental effects
Facilitating research into the environmental effects of recycling materials, including environmental, social and governmental (ESG) reports.
Providing input for laws and regulations
Providing input for laws and regulations regarding the recycling of aircraft materials.
Contributing to a more extensive network
Contributing to a more extensive network where all stakeholder that want to work towards the goal of improving the recycling process of aircraft materials.
Contributing to complex discussions
Contributing to complex discussions regarding aircraft material recycling, which lead to the best actions to take. We aim to find the balance between elements such as reuse, recycling, energy usage, safety, and cost. This contributes to an improved social debate.
The background story of Aethos
Derk-Jan is one of the founders of Aethos. It is Derk-Jan’s personal ambition to make a relevant contribution to the sustainability of the recycling process of aircraft materials. The Aethos Foundation will achieve this by supporting and stimulating research projects and thereby realizing this ambition.
The foundation is led by the following people
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The foundation is led by the following people
Questions?
Get in touch with one of our team members. We're happy to help.
Join Our Mission
Support innovative research to recycle aircraft materials and protect our planet for future generations.
