Global wind energy generation grew 517% in the past ten years, bringing public attention to the growing challenge of end-of-life (EOL) blades made of glass/carbon fiber reinforced plastics (GRP). These still difficult to recycle poly-composite blades exist worldwide and require a solution that can also be adopted worldwide.

Blade Made is a design strategy to (re)use EOL blades in large-scale design as a viable alternative to, or step prior to, blade recycling. Wind blades have inherent design, engineering, material, aesthetic, ergonomic and iconic properties that make them suitable as building elements. Especially for large scale outdoor urban and public space furniture and elements that require durable, ergonomic immovable, vandalism proof materials.

With an appropriate design approach, EOL blades can add great social, environmental and economic value to design projects while storing blades in functional upcycled use until viable recycling or other disposal methods are fully developed.