Unwrap innovation with these composites-related holiday gifts

“You’re very difficult to buy for.” 

While the holiday season has its own kind of magic — found in unearthing winter layers, decking the halls, experiencing strong urges for a warm, cozy drink, and even stronger urges to take advantage of flashy winter sales — it is also synonymous with this key, not-so-magical phrase.

Perhaps you have received it first-hand. Or maybe these are words you have delivered yourself, in one way or another. All I know is that when it comes, amidst the list-developing and the gift-buying hubbub, it will leave you — or the person you told it to — scrambling for ideas. 

What if I told you there are plenty ideas right here in industry? Increasingly found in a variety of products — sports and outdoor equipment, automotive and advanced consumer goods to name a small few — composites are not just for composites enthusiasts… they’re also for friends, family, employees, colleagues, maybe even for your odd neighbor next door. 

Continuing with tradition, CompositesWorld editors have compiled together a list of some (but definitely not all) interesting innovations that have come across our desks over the last year that we think could make good holiday gifts. Maybe you’re looking for a single person. Or maybe you’re looking after your whole company. Either way, there is something for everyone!

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(1) A gift from CompositesWorld’s, including our e-newsletters and the monthly magazine. It’s a free gift that keeps on giving.

(2) A book on “The History of Composites. People, Science, Technology and Society” launched by Elsevier. The book will be available early December 2025 in printed and digital format. It introduces the reader to key milestones in the discovery and technological development of composite materials, including their processes and applications. 

(3) The Cartken Hauler, a small autonomous robot for industrial and on-site material transportation. It is capable of handling loads across complex, mixed environments, multiple levels and diverse terrains.

(4) If you or someone you know is a bit outdoorsy, Hyperlite Mountain Gear might be a good way to go. These backpacks — using Dyneema UHMWPE fiber — have been put through months-long expeditions and extreme hikes, confirming their durability and performance. 

(5) Strongwell’s pultruded FRP Strongdeck decking products are friendly for hands-on people that want lasting aesthetics. Replacing failing wooden decks, Strongdeck just earned an award for its high strength, durability and safety.

(6) Free composites design software by Addcomposites. This browser-based tool makes advanced composite engineering more accessible with AddStack for laminate design, Resin Flow Simulator for infusion optimization and Composite Rotor Design Suite (CRDS) for high-speed motor applications.

(7) Handcrafted composite winter sports skis for sports enthusiasts by MADSkis which now incorporate Sicomin GreenPoxy 56 resin, offering 51% bio-content. 

(8) The Greenland Sherpa recreational vehicle (RV), comprising large-format natural fiber panels, is for environmentally conscious people that still like to travel! The Iveco Daily 4×4 will be available starting Q4 2026. The company also plans to make the Sherpa available on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4 starting in 2027.

(9) CW technical hydrogen storage report assesses the materials, manufacturing processes, market and energy trends driving use of carbon fiber composites in global hydrogen storage applications. 

(10) Purpose-built 36-foot Molokai catamaran. Manufacturered by Aquila Power Catamarans, the newest addition to this series of fishing boat delivers “serious angling credentials” with intelligent deck layout that maximizes fishing space and functionality in a highly composites-intensive platform.

(11) Natural and bio-circular fibers are beginning to increasingly adorn the sports and recreation markets, particularly padel racquets. In April, flax fibers entered the tennis court through Bcomp and Siux’s GEA padel racquets, while Head Sports launched a limited-edition racquet using Toray bio-circular carbon fibers.

(12) Bicyles and bicycle equipment needs from Canyon Bicycles and Arris Composites are making this recreation equipment lighter, stronger and with more geometric design freedom. Arris saved Specialized Rovale Rapide CLX Sprint and CLX III bicycle wheelsets 96.6 grams in weight and increased strength by 20% with the addition of its CFRTP wheel spokes. Meanwhile, Engel’s injection molding technology is enabling new production possibilities for Canyon Bicycles’ fiber-reinforced bicycle handlebars.

(13) A variety of composites training services opportunities — either in hands-on or remote formats — are available to industry to build your knowledge in composites or broaden it further, including from Abaris Training Resources, Composites Expert, the The Aerospace and Defense Training Center and through the ThermoPlastic composites Research Center.

(14) Dymag Technologies Ltd. has come out with the Halo wheel, a complete carbon fiber composite car wheel designed exclusively for the Porsche (992.1) 911 GT3 RS. Additional applications are in development.

(15) A stylish electric vehicle (EV) pickup model, the Slate truck, is an NCAP five-star rated vehicle. The use of polypropylene composite body panels ensure high reliability and durability.

(16) These bespoke orthoses use generative design, Windform GT fiberglass materials and powder bed fusion 3D printing that improve both form and function of the orthoses while providing essential support, rehabilitation and postural correction for its users.

(17) For a luxurious take, the Sunreef Yachts’ 100 Sunreef Power boat features a “design language where natural materials elevate both aesthetics and performance of interiors.” Bcomp’s natural fibers adorn the catamaran’s interior and help address customer customization.

(18) The Carbon Elite Insole — a dynamically flexible carbon fiber-plated insole — combines Carbitex’s ability to provide dynamic flexibility and rigidity where needed with Blumaka’s nonslip insole to prevent initial injury and recurrence for athletes at all levels.