RWTH Aachen University has secured P21G certification from the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA) for its additive manufacturing production facility. This certification, achieved under the ORAM research project, validates the university's capacity to produce polymer-based components for aviation using the Arburg Freeformer 750-3X-HT system. The project focuses on the circular economy, specifically the processing of high-performance and high-temperature polymers into certified flight-ready parts. The LBA approval confirms that the facility meets the stringent regulatory standards required for manufacturing aerospace-grade cabin interior components from recycled materials.

This certification addresses a critical barrier in aerospace manufacturing: the integration of recycled high-performance polymers into highly regulated supply chains. By establishing a closed-loop process for end-of-life cabin components, the project aims to reduce material waste and mitigate supply chain volatility for aerospace OEMs. While traditional manufacturing relies on virgin materials, this P21G-certified process provides a pathway for sustainable material reuse without compromising structural or safety requirements. The initiative positions RWTH Aachen as a key research partner for aerospace firms looking to implement sustainable additive manufacturing strategies.

Achieving P21G status demonstrates that the technical hurdles of material consistency and process repeatability in recycled polymer AM are surmountable under strict regulatory oversight. For industrial stakeholders, this confirms that recycled high-performance polymers can meet aviation safety standards, provided the end-to-end processing chain is validated. Future efforts must now focus on scaling these recycling workflows to handle larger volumes of end-of-life components while maintaining the economic viability of the reclaimed material.