#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

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

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.

Economic and geopolitical headwinds influence industrial nonwovens growth to 2029

The global consumption of industrial nonwovens in 2024 is 5.3 million tonnes or 83.4 billion square metres (m2), valued at $21.2 billion, according to The Future of Industrial Nonwovens to 2029 from Smithers. Growth rates for 2019-24 were 6.9% (tonnes), 6.9% (m2) and 6.7% ($). This reflects a recovery in some markets from Covid-19 as well as an adjustment to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and its repercussions (inflation, energy supply/price, global economic growth reductions).

STFI highlights textile circular economy and alternative fibres at INDEX™ 2026

From 19 to 22 May 2026, INDEX will invite visitors to Lake Geneva for the world's leading nonwovens trade fair. The Centre of Excellence in Nonwovens at the Sächsisches Textilforschung- sinstitut e.V. (STFI) will be in attendance to present the latest developments in nonwovens research. In the field of the textile circular economy, the STFI will present acoustically effective nonwovens made from chemical recycling residues. The range also includes innovations aimed at replacing conventional raw materials, such as the biobased and biodegradable polymer polybutylene succinate (PBS) and Kendyr as an alternative to cotton.

FET’s revolutionary gel spinning system wins Techtextil Innovation Award

FET has received the prestigious Techtextil Innovation Award 2026 in the New Production Technology category. The Techtextil Innovation Award honours outstanding ideas in textile technology, sustainability, AI and the creation of technical textiles, selected by an international jury of experts. Ranging from new materials to new production technologies, this award recognises progressive ideas that are driving forces for numerous industries, such as automotive, medical and construction.