EuCIA promotes the European Circular Composites Alliance, highlights sustainability projects and initiatives

The European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA, Brussel, Belgium) is highlighting the progress of the European Circular Composites Alliance (ECCA). Launched at JEC World 2025 with the support of founding partner JEC (Paris, France), the ECCA has secured substantial industry support and now unites more than 200 organizations from across Europe to collaboratively advance circular solutions for composite materials.

A sectorial alliance of EuCIA, the ECCA is providing a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and coordinate collective action. This voluntary initiative aims to accelerate scalable circular solutions by driving technology development, harmonization and industrial scale-up. Members of the ECCA’s five Working Group — Aerospace & Defence, Road Vehicles & Public Transportation, Industrial & Recreational, Construction and Cross-over — are meeting during JEC World to further refine their action plans.

The alliance welcomes new members and the EuCIA team is offering further information at its booth. In addition, the ECCA members are presenting the alliance’s objectives at Booth 5D49-03 in the Circularity Village. Visitors can also learn about the new Design for Circularity directory being compiled by the Industrial & Recreational Working Group.

“Our goal is to link all of the actors in the value chain to build a functional circular ecosystem,” says Raphaël Pleynet, managing director, EuCIA. “We’re also engaging with policymakers to ensure the value of composites to the circular economy is fully recognized in future legislation. We invite more organizations to join us and help expand our reach and impact.”

New alliances

During 2025, EuCIA launched two further sectorial alliances representing key sectors of the composites industry. The European Rebar Council advocates for composite rebar as a competitive, high-performance and reliable alternative to steel in the building, construction and infrastructure industries. Carbon Fiber Europe promotes the positive contributions and innovative power of European carbon fiber products to society and supports their safe and sustainable use. Both alliances will launch their websites soon.

Alise Novikova, VP of the European Rebar Council, joins the panel for “Composites in Construction: Durability, Challenges, and Building the Impossible,” taking place March 10 from 2:00-2:55 (Agora 6). This session explores how composite materials extend service life, resist harsh environments and unlock iconic structures once thought unattainable. The discussion covers a range of applications, from composite rebar to structural profiles and architectural components.

EuCIA in action

This year at JEC World, sustainability and circularity are once again central topics and EuCIA is participating in the following meetings:

SMC BMC Composites: Design for Performance, Sustainability, and Industrial Value

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Agora 5
This panel discussion explores how SMC and BMC composite technologies deliver value across industries by combining mechanical performance, design freedom, sustainability and cost efficiency — Panelist Thomas Wegman represents the European Alliance for SMC BMC (a member of EuCIA).

The Sustainability Forum

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. 
This invitation-only meeting of the Global Composites Sustainability Coalition is organized by ACMA and JEC. Speakers highlight regional trends, developments and activities, and EuCIA’s Raphaël Pleynet presents the ECCA’s progress.

Closing the Loop With Circular Composite Materials

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Agora 5
EuCIA’s president, Professor Roberto Frassine, joins the panel for this discussion highlighting technological innovations, regulatory drivers and the need for greater industry acceptance of recycled and second life materials. The moderator is Malcolm Forsyth, sustainability manager at Composites UK (a member of EuCIA).

Gathering of Associations

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. 
This invitation-only event organized by EuCIA and JEC offers industry associations a valuable opportunity to network at global level. This year, the meeting’s theme is “How to grow a national association to better serve the industry.”

SMC BMC Design Award Ceremony 2026 “Live Better, Live Green”

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Agora 5
Organized by the European Alliance for SMC BMC, this award recognizes and promotes design excellence in SMC and BMC composite materials. This year’s competition focuses on innovative concepts that contribute to sustainability, functionality and consumer well-being.

Research and innovation

EuCIA is also be available to discuss the progress of the three EU-funded projects where it leads the communication and dissemination activities. REFRESH is demonstrating circular solutions for decommissioned wind turbine blades; EOLIAN is developing a new generation of blades based on vitrimer composites; and PLEIADES is focused on advanced composite aerostructures.

The REFRESH circular wind turbine blade demonstrator is on display at Innovation Planet 5 (5E148). This blade section demonstrates that glass fibers recycled from end-of-service blades can be used in a non-structural application in a new blade.

Visit EuCIA at Booth M119 in Hall 6.