This study investigates bio-based polymer matrix composites reinforced with recycled carbon fibers (RCFs), comparing two distinct formulations under equivalent fiber content conditions: one based on epoxidized castor oil (ECO) and the other on diglycidyl ether of vanillyl alcohol (DGEVA). Both systems were engineered to exhibit covalent adaptable network (CAN) behavior through the incorporation of reactive components, dibutyl phosphate in the ECO matrix, enabling transesterification reactions, and 4-aminophenyl disulfide (4-AFD) in the DGEVA system, promoting disulfide exchange reactions. This emerging class of materials bridges the gap between thermoplastic and thermoset polymers, combining high mechanical performance with recyclability, and was here exploited for the development of functional coatings with intrinsic self-healing capability, in line with sustainability and circular economy principles.