#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.

FET highlights advances in fibre spinning technology at Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress

Fibre Extrusion Technology Limited (FET) presented its latest developments in fibre spinning technology at the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress in Austria in September 2026. In a presentation entitled “Spinning a good yarn”, Dr Jonny Hunter examined recent technological developments and challenges facing the fibre industry, highlighting the company's expanding range of specialised fibre extrusion and spinning systems.

Vietnam’s market evolution creates new sourcing opportunities at VIATT 2027

As Vietnam’s textile industry continues to upgrade and scale, new opportunities are emerging for suppliers of advanced raw materials, design-led fabrics, production technologies, and sustainability solutions. The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) will return 24 – 26 February 2027, presenting a cross-sector platform – spanning apparel, home and technical categories – for overseas companies to connect with manufacturers, brands, sourcing offices, retailers, and industry buyers from Vietnam, ASEAN, and beyond.

Textile performance for the global market: Heimtextil 2027 connects interior design, quality and global sourcing

With the new premium segment Carpets & Rugs Excellence, the Comfort & Connect area and the Heimtextil Trends 27/28, Heimtextil 2027 is sharpening its offering for a market under pressure. Today, textile products need to prove their quality, functionality and long-term value. From 12 to 15 January 2027, the leading trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design showcases relevant innovations across the entire value chain: from fibres and yarns to designs by international studios and emerging talent, through to finished collections, functional contract textiles and complete interior solutions.

Blue Tomato accelerates agile retail apparel production with Kornit Digital

Kornit Digital (NASDAQ: KRNT), a global pioneer in on-demand digital fashion and textile production technologies, is highlighting how Blue Tomato, Europe’s largest board sports retailer, is using two Kornit Atlas MAX PLUS systems to support a more agile approach to in-house apparel production. The systems are helping Blue Tomato respond faster to changing consumer trends, produce high-quality apparel for its network of 86 retail stores across Europe and reduce inventory by printing only what the market demands.