#Market Analysis & Forecasts

2022-05-05

The European Market for Fibre Reinforced Plastics/Composites in 2021

The AVK – Industrievereinigung Verstärkte Kunststoffe – has published its annual market report for fibre reinforced plastics/composites. The composites market almost returns to pre-crisis levels in 2021. After a long period of growth from 2013 to 2018, the corona pandemic, which began in February 2020, as well as other negative factors have severely impacted not only the economy as a whole, but the industrial sector and composites market in particular.

European composites production volumes declined by more than 15 % in the period from 2018 to 2020. In 2021, this trend was clearly reversed. With growth of 18.3 %, the market almost returned to its pre-crisis level. The increase was thus significantly higher than overall growth in the EU at 5.3 %.

Markets reviewed in this report

In its consideration of glass fibre reinforced (GRP) materials, the analysis presented here again includes all GRPs with a thermoset matrix as well as all thermoplastic materials with long or continuous fibre reinforcement. The market figures for NCF (non-crimp fabrics) and the European production volume for short fibre reinforced thermoplastics have been added to the scope of this report.

Overall development of the composites market

The volume of the global composites market totalled 12.1 million tonnes in 2021, according to the latest figures from the JEC (www.jeccomposites.com). In 2021, European composites production volume increased by 18.3%. The total European composites market thus comprises a volume of 2,962,000 tonnes. Overall, market momentum in Europe was significantly higher than in the global market. Europe's share of the world market is around 25 %, similar to that of the USA. Asia now accounts for around 50 % of global production.

Full report:

https://www.avk-tv.de/files/20220503_pr_04_2022_market_report_2021.pdf

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Fluff pulp market maintains steady growth

Despite being impacted by political and economic woes, the global fluff pulp market in 2024 will reach 7.3 million air dried tonnes with a value of $9.7 billion, according to a new Smithers produced study, The Future of Fluff Pulp to 2029. This is up from 6.2 million air dried tonnes valued at $5.5 billion in 2019.

KARL MAYER expands TM WEFT capabilities for fashion fabrics at ITMA ASIA 2026

A new E 36 gauge, an EL pattern drive and improved yarn tension regulation extend the application possibilities of KARL MAYER's TM WEFT warp knitting machine. At ITMA ASIA 2026, the company will demonstrate the developments alongside a collection of woven-like warp knitted fabrics for fashion and apparel.

Textiles Recycling Expo USA 2027 opens registration and expands with manufacturing exhibition

The second edition of Textiles Recycling Expo USA will take place on 7–8 April 2027 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Following a debut that attracted more than 1,800 visitors and 95 exhibitors, the event will expand its exhibition and conference programme and will be held alongside the new Textiles Manufacturing Expo.

MarediModa highlights transparency and traceability with InsideOut by C.L.A.S.S.

The InsideOut by C.L.A.S.S. exhibition at MarediModa 2026 in Cannes focused on transparency, traceability and the measurable values behind fashion products. Its Decalogue of Values aims to make environmental, social and production-related information more accessible throughout the textile supply chain.