What we do and don’t do

Stimulate and finance research that fits our goal

We are happy to explain what the Aethos Foundation does and does not do.

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Our goal

It is our ambition to..

Increase the amount of material recycled for end-of-life aircraft.

Downcycle materials that cannot be recycled.

Find a chemical solution for materials that cannot be downcycled.

Research

Aethos support

Aethos wants to support everyone that conducts research into recycling of aircraft materials in a better way. The focus is on recycling of specific materials, components, or sections. Our wish is to especially support projects where the findings and results are freeto be used by everyone. If the researcher wishes to keep certain parts of the research secret, this possibility can be discussed. However, it is encouraged to share at least part of the results openly. If the research has resulted in a successful solution, then it is up to other stakeholders to utilize the results in practice.

What we support

What we do and don’t do

What research we do support:

If the detail of a known potential solution is clear, research can be focused on solving that element of a challenge.
Recycling of specific materials that are currently not being recycled.
Improving the recycling process of a specific component. Here, the focus can be on various aspects of the recycling process including cost, speed, technology, andquality.
Improving the dismantling process of specific aircraft structures that consist of various materials.
Overcoming hurdles in terms of legislation, logistics or economics to develop a complete recycling solution that can be used in practice.
Finding solutions that improve the environmental performance of a process without a cost penalty.

What we don't do:

Improve the reuse of aircraft components. This is already being done very well.
Some components that are attempted to be re-used might not make the test. We can investigate recycling those components.
Some piece parts of the aircraft can’t be re-used during the overhaul process; they need to be replaced. We can investigate recycling those leftover piece parts.
Stimulating alternative reuse of aircraft components that are beautiful in design and very specific.
During alternative reuse, many things might be made of it. Turning a piece of aircraft into some furniture used at home. During this process, some parts/pieces might be left. We can investigate solutions for those material streams.
Proposing alternative materials and changing the design of an aircraft component, resulting in the component being better recyclable. It is up to society to decide if a change needs to be introduced to improve the recyclability of the product if there is currently no solution.
FOcus areas

Our preferences

Our preference goes out to research where there is a high probability that new recycling solutions are feasible in practice. It must be research where all elements for success are considered. Apart from the technical side of the solution, the focus is also on subjects such as the economical and operational side. The possible success of a proposed solution must be determined.

By clicking here we will gladly show you which research topics we think are worth the effort of working on. If you see anything you would like to work on, please make us a proposal. If you click here we will proudly show you an overview of the current projects we support. The results of completed research projects can be found on this page when we have compleet projects. When there are resultats shall we share the results of research that has been done by other parties.

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