08/05/2025
ECO-AERO drives debate on sustainability, innovation, and technology transfer in the aeronautical sector.
This morning, within the framework of the ECO-AERO project, a key conference for the future of the aerospace sector took place, focusing on sustainability, circular economy, and technology transfer as pillars for a greener, more competitive, and resilient industry.
The day began with opening remarks by Dr. Alejandro Ibrahim, President of AERA, who thanked Zaragoza Airport, the Zaragoza Airport Platform (PAE), and the Spanish Association of Technological Defense, Security, Aeronautics, and Space Companies (TEDAE) for their support and collaboration in organizing this event with AERA. “The transformation toward a more sustainable model is no longer an option but a social, environmental, and economic imperative,” stated Dr. Ibrahim.
Next came the round table “Sustainable and Recyclable Materials”, moderated by Andrés Catalán, Secretary General of the Aerospace Technology Platform, addressing the strategic role of low-environmental-impact materials in the sector’s transformation. Berta Gonzalvo, Director of AITIIP Technology Center, highlighted advances in recyclable composite materials and their application to next-generation aircraft, analyzing the technical and regulatory challenges associated with their implementation. The potential of sustainable additive manufacturing was also emphasized as a key tool to achieve ECO-AERO’s sustainability goals. Laura Ogalla, R&D Engineer at FIDAMC (Foundation for the Research, Development, and Application of Composite Materials), outlined the advantages of thermoplastics in meeting the sustainability requirements set by ICAO, noting both their current benefits and the challenges ahead for their consolidation in the aeronautical sector.
The second round table, “Technology Transfer for the Sustainability of the Aeronautical Sector”, moderated by Ricardo López, Airport Director, highlighted the need for close collaboration among companies, technology centers, and administrations. José Moliner, Director of TARMAC AEROSAVE, pointed out that his company is a pioneer in aircraft recycling, stating, “At TARMAC, 94% of an aircraft’s weight is recovered.” They collaborate with various technology centers in multiple research lines to further increase that percentage—an ongoing challenge.
Successful cases and best practices were analyzed in the adoption of sustainable solutions such as energy efficiency, the use of advanced materials, and process improvement. Eduardo Cembrano, Director of Industry and Energy at CIRCE,
highlighted activities carried out at their technology center, such as equipment certification and homologation, and stressed the importance of cybersecurity. Dr. José Luis Núñez, Coordinator of Materials and Components at ITA, discussed how the Technological Institute of Aragon listens to the specific needs of companies and adopts the “test before invest” approach to industrial implementation. Speakers agreed on the importance of accelerating the adoption of these innovations, especially among SMEs that make up a large part of the value chain.
The closing session, “Sustainability: Balancing Needs and Capabilities”, addressed the complexity of advancing toward sustainable aviation without compromising the sector’s technical or economic viability. Participants included Dr. Alejandro Ibrahim, Director of Teruel Airport; Dr. Jesús Arauzo, Director of the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Zaragoza; and Pedro Lama, Director of AIR (Aviation International Recycling). All three provided different perspectives on how to reconcile environmental imperatives with the actual capabilities of the aeronautical ecosystem, exploring how to manage the tension between what is desirable and what is possible.
These sessions reaffirm the ECO-AERO project’s commitment to developing a more innovative, sustainable, and cohesive national supply chain, enabling the Spanish aerospace industry to lead the transition toward a new era of aviation.
