In August 2022, John Dorgan, a professor specializing in chemical engineering and materials science at Michigan State University, drew attention by consuming a gummy bear created from a wind turbine blade during the American Chemical Society’s fall national meeting in Chicago. The presentation, titled “Composite resins for the circular economy: From wind turbines to gummy bear candy and beyond,” was not published in a peer-reviewed journal, but it rapidly circulated among science media outlets, showcasing an innovative method for recycling wind blades into consumable products.
The groundbreaking resin formulated by Dorgan’s team combined glass fibers with a plant-based polymer, polylactide (PLA), within a synthetic monomer, methyl methacrylate (MMA). This thermoplastic mixture enables the material to be reverted to its original components, in contrast to conventional thermoset resins. Using alkaline digestion, the process can isolate the components: reusable glass fibers, poly(methyl methacrylate) for items such as Plexiglass, poly(methacrylic acid) for superabsorbent polymers used in diapers, and potassium lactate for food applications.
Despite the enthusiasm, Dorgan recognized that scaling the bio-based resin to meet the wind industry’s requirements posed a considerable challenge. Moreover, the economic viability of recycling compared to landfilling and public acceptance of products made from turbine blades were questioned. As of 2026, there has been no update on commercializing this particular resin, and it has not been mentioned in later discussions on wind-blade recycling.
In the meantime, the industry has progressed with alternative strategies to tackle blade waste. The ZEBRA project by Arkema succeeded in developing a fully recyclable prototype blade utilizing a different thermoplastic resin. Siemens Gamesa, in partnership with Aditya Birla Advanced Materials, created the RecyclableBlade featuring a cleavable epoxy resin, implementing it both offshore and onshore. Vestas pioneered a technique to recycle existing blades by decomposing cured epoxy into reusable material, addressing the disposal of legacy blades.
Blade waste continues to be an increasing concern, with projections indicating substantial rises in decommissioned blades requiring disposal. Europe has adopted a proactive stance with a landfill ban on blades slated for 2026, prompting industry attention towards scalable, commercially viable recycling solutions such as those from Siemens Gamesa and Vestas. While the gummy bear narrative garnered notable interest, practical developments have shifted towards solutions that offer current commercial feasibility and regulatory backing.