Circular economy principles in innovative facade applications: a review of fibre-reinforced pultruded profiles applications for energy-efficient buildings

Background and aim. Addressing resources and energy efficiency within the construction sector is the key to achieve the EU’s ambition of climate neutrality and fully decarbonised of building stock by 2050. This paper explores the integration of circular economy principles, with a specific focus on fibre reinforced pultruded profiles as a sustainable material. It provides an overview of the characteristics and manufacturing processes of continuous pultruded profiles, exploring their potential implementation in facade components, and conducts a theoretical comprehensive sustainability assessment of their environmental impact. These materials contribute to potentially increase the environmental sustainability of the construction sector, reducing the overall lifecycle expenses, and boosting the energy performance of buildings. Methods and data. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining a comprehensive literature review and analysis of case studies. These methods evaluated the characteristics, manufacturing processes, and environmental performance of fibre-reinforced pultruded profiles in facade applications. Findings. The research highlights key technologies that can increase resource efficiency and reduce waste in the fibre reinforced polymer industry. Prospects for technological advances in pultrusion processes are discussed. The findings reveal that pultruded composite materials offer significant advantages, including resource efficiency, waste reduction, and improved energy performance of building skins for durable and low-maintenance facade systems. Theoretical / Practical / Societal implications. Practically, this research highlights the potential of pultruded profiles for innovative facade design by incorporating circular economy principles. Societally, the findings support the transition to sustainable building practices, contributing to climate goals and resource conservation. This theoretical interdisciplinary approach addresses the challenges of modern façades systems and lays the groundwork for sustainable, energy-efficient buildings.