The use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics and the associated high material efficiency play a key role in lightweight construction. However, the production of new carbon fibers is based on fossil raw materials and is very energy intensive and resource inefficient. For this reason, the aim of the project “Infinity“ was to develop and establish a sustainable process cycle for carbon fiber composite materials. By optimally utilizing the properties of recycled carbon fibers (rCF), the project contributes significantly to greenhouse gas reduction in lightweight construction. An efficient and fiber-friendly recycling process for carbon fibers has been implemented that can turn this high-quality resource back into a semi-finished product for a high-performance application. The recycled carbon fibers are reprocessed in a modified textile carding process and further processed into highly-oriented rCF tapes. By using different fiber placement technologies, these “Infinity“-tapes can be laid according to the load path for use in demanding applications. Furthermore, due to its discontinuous fiber structure, the “Infinity“-tape can achieve very high drapability up to deep-drawability. In the direct injection moulding process, the rCF tapes are additionally functionalized by using rCF as a reinforcing phase. The application of physical foaming gives the component yet another functionalization. The developed material thus represents the highest conceivable recycling result for carbon fiber composite components at fiber level and is superior to the recycling methods currently used, such as incineration or recycling to classic rCF nonwovens. Furthermore, the fiber-conserving recycling process is illustrated by means of a thermoplastic structural component, which also demonstrates the potential of material substitution. By creating a life cycle assessment, the potential CO2 savings during fiber separation, component manufacturing and functionalization are shown in addition.