From photovoltaic waste to wood-plastic products: a market potential of hundreds of billions of yuan has exploded
As the world accelerates towards carbon neutrality, the photovoltaic industry has flourished at an astonishing speed. According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), global photovoltaic installed capacity is doubling every four years. However, hidden worries have emerged behind the glory - it is estimated that by 2050, the world will accumulate 78 million tons of retired photovoltaic modules. These "photovoltaic waste" that once made great contributions to clean energy are now being transformed into "green treasures" in the field of wood-plastic products through technological innovation, detonating a circular economy market of hundreds of billions of yuan.
The wood-plastic market has exploded, and the blue ocean track has shown its potential
At present, the wood-plastic products market is ushering in a golden period of development. StrategyR research data shows that the global market size of plastic-wood composite materials will be US$5.619 billion in 2022, and by 2030, this figure will soar to US$12.598 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.62%. From the environmentally friendly trails in European eco-towns to the durable exterior walls of high-end commercial buildings in the United States, wood-plastic products with waterproof, anti-corrosion and beautiful characteristics are rapidly seizing the market share of traditional building materials with an annual market share of over 15%. Waste photovoltaic panels can be called a "treasure raw material library". About 70% of its high-purity low-iron glass, recyclable metal frames and high-molecular polymers can be processed by advanced processes and become the core production materials of wood-plastic products at a cost 30% lower than traditional raw materials. Taking Changzhou Ruisai Environmental Protection Technology as an example, the company has increased the material recovery rate of waste photovoltaic products to 95% and the utilization rate to 90% through its independently developed intelligent production line and three-stage physical disassembly and chemical purification technology. The profit margin of its wood-plastic outdoor flooring, garden fence and other products has increased by 22% compared with traditional processes, and its products are exported to many countries and regions such as Europe and the United States.
Multi-dimensional value release, significant economic benefits
The economic value brought by the conversion of waste photovoltaic panels into wood-plastic products far exceeds expectations. On the one hand, the cost of raw materials has been greatly reduced. For every ton of waste photovoltaic panels processed, wood-plastic raw materials worth more than 3,000 yuan can be produced; on the other hand, the "one material, multiple uses" model maximizes value. The separated silver electrodes, copper wires and other precious metals can be directly supplied to the electronics industry; after the aluminum frame is recycled and reprocessed, the unit price is 18% lower than that of the original aluminum. According to industry estimates, the comprehensive profit margin of this recycling model can reach 40% - 60%, forming a highly competitive profit model.
Policy dividends also increase the economic value of this industry. The European Union clearly stipulates that the recycling rate of photovoltaic modules must reach 95% by 2035, and companies that fail to meet the standards will face a high fine of 2% of the annual output value; China has established a special subsidy fund in the "14th Five-Year Plan" circular economy plan to vigorously support the development of related industries; the "photovoltaic recycling points system" launched by Seoul, South Korea, enables companies to exchange carbon trading quotas worth about US$800 for every ton of waste panels processed, further improving the economic efficiency of the project.
Technological innovation breakthroughs, the industry has a promising future
The continuous innovation of technology has injected strong impetus into the development of this industry. The nano laser disassembly technology developed by the Institute of Solar Energy in Freiburg, Germany, can increase the separation purity of glass, metal, plastic and other materials of photovoltaic panels to 98%, greatly reducing the cost of subsequent processing. Domestic enterprises and universities have carried out in-depth cooperation. Through the silane coupling agent modification technology, the recycled glass is ground into micro powder with a hair diameter of 1/100, which significantly enhances its integration with the plastic matrix, making the flexural strength of wood-plastic products increase by 25%, and the yield rate exceeds 92%.
From the once headache-inducing "photovoltaic waste" to the now popular "wood-plastic treasure", this "turning waste into gold" industrial revolution is reshaping the global circular economy. With the continuous iteration of technology and the continuous expansion of the market, the industry of making wood-plastic products from waste photovoltaic panels will surely release greater potential and become an important force in promoting the green transformation of the global economy.
