Composites
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The technologies developed are being tested in ground tests and two space flights. This first flight was structured to test materials, cooling techniques, miniaturized nonintrusive sensors and the aerodynamic properties of the two-stage sounding rocket. The first stage was powered by a Red Kite booster developed by DLR in partnership with Bayern-Chemie, while the second stage was powered by a Canadian-built Black Brant Mark 4 booster.
A second launch, scheduled for 2026 from Esrange Space Center in Sweden, will mark the inaugural flight of the Alduina hybrid rocket booster. Powered by hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), the booster is designed to enable throttleability and reignition while maintaining low system complexity.
#composites #ceramic #CeramicMatrixComposites #space
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A second launch, scheduled for 2026 from Esrange Space Center in Sweden, will mark the inaugural flight of the Alduina hybrid rocket booster. Powered by hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), the booster is designed to enable throttleability and reignition while maintaining low system complexity.
#composites #ceramic #CeramicMatrixComposites #space
> source
Composites
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OCSiAl to develop Luxembourg graphene nanotube hub
Aiming to make it the largest in the world, the $300 million flagship facility will serve as a scalable, energy-efficient manufacturing center for European advanced materials.
Deep-tech company OCSiAl LCC (Leudelange, Luxembourg) has signed a land lease launching the development of its flagship graphene nanotube production center in Differdange, Luxembourg, which will become what the company plans to be the “world’s largest” graphene nanotube production facility.
This official announcement is a culmination of a years-long effort by the company and the Luxembourg government, including an investment round raised from a “club” of Luxembourg-based investors and the signing with the state of Luxembourg of a long-term land lease for a 3.63-hectare site in Differdange.
Founded in 2010, OCSiAl is a large producer of graphene nanotubes, ideal for enhancing the mechanical, electrical, optical and thermal properties of fiber-reinforced composites. OCSiAl’s nanotubes, currently produced only in Serbia, where the company is increasing production capacity fourfold, are already used in more than 10% of smartphones sold today and in more than one million electric vehicles worldwide.
“Graphene nanotubes can improve over half of the materials we use every day, from safer batteries to longer-lasting tires and ultralight protective equipment,” says Alain Kinsch, a member of the OCSiAl board of directors. “We thank the Luxembourg government for enabling this project through the land lease and for fostering an environment where innovation and industrial ambition can thrive.”
With a planned investment of $300 million and creation of more than 300 new jobs, the facility, to be launched in stages from 2028-2030, will strengthen Europe’s role in the global advanced materials value chain and serve as a development hub for engineers and scientists.
#composites #OCSiAl #GrapheneNanotube #Nanomaterials
> source
Aiming to make it the largest in the world, the $300 million flagship facility will serve as a scalable, energy-efficient manufacturing center for European advanced materials.
Deep-tech company OCSiAl LCC (Leudelange, Luxembourg) has signed a land lease launching the development of its flagship graphene nanotube production center in Differdange, Luxembourg, which will become what the company plans to be the “world’s largest” graphene nanotube production facility.
This official announcement is a culmination of a years-long effort by the company and the Luxembourg government, including an investment round raised from a “club” of Luxembourg-based investors and the signing with the state of Luxembourg of a long-term land lease for a 3.63-hectare site in Differdange.
Founded in 2010, OCSiAl is a large producer of graphene nanotubes, ideal for enhancing the mechanical, electrical, optical and thermal properties of fiber-reinforced composites. OCSiAl’s nanotubes, currently produced only in Serbia, where the company is increasing production capacity fourfold, are already used in more than 10% of smartphones sold today and in more than one million electric vehicles worldwide.
“Graphene nanotubes can improve over half of the materials we use every day, from safer batteries to longer-lasting tires and ultralight protective equipment,” says Alain Kinsch, a member of the OCSiAl board of directors. “We thank the Luxembourg government for enabling this project through the land lease and for fostering an environment where innovation and industrial ambition can thrive.”
With a planned investment of $300 million and creation of more than 300 new jobs, the facility, to be launched in stages from 2028-2030, will strengthen Europe’s role in the global advanced materials value chain and serve as a development hub for engineers and scientists.
#composites #OCSiAl #GrapheneNanotube #Nanomaterials
> source
Composites
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Airbus Helicopters aims to adopt Airborne’s composite automation technologies
At the headquarters in Toulouse, Airbus Helicopters signed on 1 October 2025 a Letter of Intent to adopt Airborne’s digital automation technologies for its factory in Le Bourget (Paris), France. The goal is to optimise manufacturing efficiency and output of composite rotor hubs and helicopter blades. The intent is to implement both Airborne’s main software and automation systems: automated ply placement and kit by light.
The focus will be on new automation and software to boost productivity and efficiency at Airbus’s Le Bourget factory in France. This factory makes all composite helicopter blades and hub structures for all Airbus helicopter models, both military and civil. “It’s a high-mix production environment, ramping up to meet increasing demand, and Airborne’s industrialisation technologies are an excellent fit,” says Marcus Kremers, CTO of Airborne.
Two automation systems
The project covers two of Airborne’s main automation systems, Kit by Light (KBL) and Automated Ply Placement (APP).
APP is already used by Airbus Commercial for the A350 programme. It automates the layup process from cutter to laminate and can be used for both prepreg and dry fibre, both of which are processed in Le Bourget. In this project, new features regarding part size, layup and quality inspection are planned to be added.
KBL is already in use at Airbus Helicopters’ sister plant in Donauwörth (Germany), where it supports operators in the cutting room with software that significantly accelerates kitting. Building on that experience, plans are to implement the system in the Le Bourget factory to reduce material waste and increase output.
About Airborne
Airborne is a technology leader in advanced composites and digital automation. Headquartered in The Hague, Airborne delivers innovative manufacturing solutions that help customers scale production, reduce costs and increase productivity. With a focus on the aerospace, space, defence and marine markets, Airborne combines deep materials knowledge with cutting-edge automation and digital systems to bring new solutions to automate advanced composites manufacturing.
#composites #AirbusHelicopters #Airborne
> source
At the headquarters in Toulouse, Airbus Helicopters signed on 1 October 2025 a Letter of Intent to adopt Airborne’s digital automation technologies for its factory in Le Bourget (Paris), France. The goal is to optimise manufacturing efficiency and output of composite rotor hubs and helicopter blades. The intent is to implement both Airborne’s main software and automation systems: automated ply placement and kit by light.
The focus will be on new automation and software to boost productivity and efficiency at Airbus’s Le Bourget factory in France. This factory makes all composite helicopter blades and hub structures for all Airbus helicopter models, both military and civil. “It’s a high-mix production environment, ramping up to meet increasing demand, and Airborne’s industrialisation technologies are an excellent fit,” says Marcus Kremers, CTO of Airborne.
Two automation systems
The project covers two of Airborne’s main automation systems, Kit by Light (KBL) and Automated Ply Placement (APP).
APP is already used by Airbus Commercial for the A350 programme. It automates the layup process from cutter to laminate and can be used for both prepreg and dry fibre, both of which are processed in Le Bourget. In this project, new features regarding part size, layup and quality inspection are planned to be added.
KBL is already in use at Airbus Helicopters’ sister plant in Donauwörth (Germany), where it supports operators in the cutting room with software that significantly accelerates kitting. Building on that experience, plans are to implement the system in the Le Bourget factory to reduce material waste and increase output.
About Airborne
Airborne is a technology leader in advanced composites and digital automation. Headquartered in The Hague, Airborne delivers innovative manufacturing solutions that help customers scale production, reduce costs and increase productivity. With a focus on the aerospace, space, defence and marine markets, Airborne combines deep materials knowledge with cutting-edge automation and digital systems to bring new solutions to automate advanced composites manufacturing.
#composites #AirbusHelicopters #Airborne
> source
Composites
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A badminton racket made of recycled carbon fibre
National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) used Swancor’s “microwave pyrolysis technology” to recycle carbon fibre extracted from retired wind turbine blades and create the first badminton racket made of recycled carbon fibre”, becoming a landmark example of the high-value application of composite materials, according to Swancor.
In the past, retired wind turbine blades were mostly disposed of by incineration or burial, which not only put pressure on the environment but also wasted valuable carbon fibre resources. National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), in collaboration with Swancor Holding, has put the concept of a circular economy into practice. Using Swancor’s “microwave pyrolysis technology,” they recycled carbon fibre extracted from retired wind turbine blades. Combined with technologies from NCHU’s Institute of Circular Economy Research, they created “the world’s first badminton racket made of recycled carbon fibre.” Swancor considers that this makes it “a landmark example of the high-value application of composite materials.”
Wind turbine blades are made of robust composite materials, but recycling them presents a significant challenge. Swancor’s proprietary “microwave pyrolysis technology” can precisely process the carbon fibre pultruded carbon plates in the blades. “Compared to traditional pyrolysis methods, it processes the material faster and consumes less energy, achieving breakthroughs in both recycling efficiency and carbon reduction benefits, laying the groundwork for the reuse of used blade,” Swancor said.
Shen Ming-yuan, associate professor at the NCHU’s Institute of Circular Economy Research, pointed out that traditional badminton rackets use thermosetting materials made of carbon fibre and epoxy resin. Although these materials are strong, they cannot be recycled, limiting the application of recycled carbon fibre. Shen Ming-yuan explained that the team broke through the previous framework of “hot pressing” and developed the world’s first “injection-moulded” professional-grade badminton racket using two patented technologies: “recycled carbon fibre modification technology” and “reinforcing thermoplastic composite mixing and granulation technology.” All materials in this racket are recyclable, possessing not only excellent mechanical properties but also truly embodying environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and possessing a complete “green DNA.”
Towards mass market
Swancor Holding general manager Tsai Hsiao-te stated that the company has long invested in the research and development of wind power materials and green technologies, and this achievement demonstrates the enormous potential of waste composite materials to be transformed into high-value-added products. Although large-scale commercialisation still faces challenges in terms of equipment and cost, Swancor is actively seeking partnerships with like-minded brands and companies, hoping to promote the widespread application of recycled composite materials.
At the results release conference, Tsai Hsiao-te, representing the Swancor Group, donated 100 recycled carbon fibre badminton rackets to National Chung Hsing University, symbolising the deepening of the concept of sustainability and its roots in education, and marking an important milestone in the development of green technology.
In the field of recycling, Swancor is already known for having recently developed recyclable thermosetting epoxy resin, EzCiclo, that addresses the historical challenge of non-degradable recycling in thermoset composite materials. A few months ago, Swancor announced with partner Ama Tech the launch of recyclable composite ceiling fan blades.
Cover photo: “The world’s first recycled carbon fibre badminton racket,” co-developed by National Chung Hsing University and Swancor Holding with microwave pyrolysis technology to recover carbon fibre from wind turbine blades (source: Swancor)
#composites #SwancorHolding #NCHU #BadmintonRacket #RecycledCarbonFibre
> source
National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) used Swancor’s “microwave pyrolysis technology” to recycle carbon fibre extracted from retired wind turbine blades and create the first badminton racket made of recycled carbon fibre”, becoming a landmark example of the high-value application of composite materials, according to Swancor.
In the past, retired wind turbine blades were mostly disposed of by incineration or burial, which not only put pressure on the environment but also wasted valuable carbon fibre resources. National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), in collaboration with Swancor Holding, has put the concept of a circular economy into practice. Using Swancor’s “microwave pyrolysis technology,” they recycled carbon fibre extracted from retired wind turbine blades. Combined with technologies from NCHU’s Institute of Circular Economy Research, they created “the world’s first badminton racket made of recycled carbon fibre.” Swancor considers that this makes it “a landmark example of the high-value application of composite materials.”
Wind turbine blades are made of robust composite materials, but recycling them presents a significant challenge. Swancor’s proprietary “microwave pyrolysis technology” can precisely process the carbon fibre pultruded carbon plates in the blades. “Compared to traditional pyrolysis methods, it processes the material faster and consumes less energy, achieving breakthroughs in both recycling efficiency and carbon reduction benefits, laying the groundwork for the reuse of used blade,” Swancor said.
Shen Ming-yuan, associate professor at the NCHU’s Institute of Circular Economy Research, pointed out that traditional badminton rackets use thermosetting materials made of carbon fibre and epoxy resin. Although these materials are strong, they cannot be recycled, limiting the application of recycled carbon fibre. Shen Ming-yuan explained that the team broke through the previous framework of “hot pressing” and developed the world’s first “injection-moulded” professional-grade badminton racket using two patented technologies: “recycled carbon fibre modification technology” and “reinforcing thermoplastic composite mixing and granulation technology.” All materials in this racket are recyclable, possessing not only excellent mechanical properties but also truly embodying environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and possessing a complete “green DNA.”
Towards mass market
Swancor Holding general manager Tsai Hsiao-te stated that the company has long invested in the research and development of wind power materials and green technologies, and this achievement demonstrates the enormous potential of waste composite materials to be transformed into high-value-added products. Although large-scale commercialisation still faces challenges in terms of equipment and cost, Swancor is actively seeking partnerships with like-minded brands and companies, hoping to promote the widespread application of recycled composite materials.
At the results release conference, Tsai Hsiao-te, representing the Swancor Group, donated 100 recycled carbon fibre badminton rackets to National Chung Hsing University, symbolising the deepening of the concept of sustainability and its roots in education, and marking an important milestone in the development of green technology.
In the field of recycling, Swancor is already known for having recently developed recyclable thermosetting epoxy resin, EzCiclo, that addresses the historical challenge of non-degradable recycling in thermoset composite materials. A few months ago, Swancor announced with partner Ama Tech the launch of recyclable composite ceiling fan blades.
Cover photo: “The world’s first recycled carbon fibre badminton racket,” co-developed by National Chung Hsing University and Swancor Holding with microwave pyrolysis technology to recover carbon fibre from wind turbine blades (source: Swancor)
#composites #SwancorHolding #NCHU #BadmintonRacket #RecycledCarbonFibre
> source
Composites
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Flax and hemp fiber composites in the automotive industry
The automotive industry is witnessing a fundamental shift in natural fibre composite adoption, aligned with Europe’s broader vision for a sustainable bioeconomy by 2040. Flax and hemp reinforced bio-based plastics and composite materials have successfully transitioned from motorsport and concept demonstrators to series production applications, marking a critical milestone in sustainable lightweighting and demonstrating how bio-based materials can provide fossil-free alternatives. This development directly supports the Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp’s objective of establishing European flax and hemp as the preferred sustainable premium fibres worldwide, particularly in technical composite applications.
As global automotive manufacturers intensify efforts to reduce lifecycle emissions and source sustainable materials, European flax and hemp composites offer domestically produced, performance-validated solutions that enhance Europe’s economic resilience while supporting the continent’s leadership in sustainable bio-based innovation.
The expanding Technical Section members of the Alliance, now exceeding 25 organizations spanning the complete value chain from agriculture to finished components, provides the collaborative infrastructure necessary for continued automotive penetration and demonstrates the integrated supply chain model essential for bioeconomy success.
Motorsport-to-production validation pathway
The progression from racing to road cars demonstrates systematic technical validation. BMW Motorsport and Porsche and Bcomp pioneered flax composite applications in motorsport using ampliTex™ and powerRibs™ materials. The 2022 BMW M4 GT4 extended this to closer-to-production applications. This rigorous motorsport testing has culminated in BMW Group’s 2025 announcement to integrate flax composites extensively into series production M cars, including exterior components—a world first for natural fibre materials in production automotive bodywork.
This validation methodology proves flax materials meet the demanding mechanical, thermal, and durability requirements of modern automotive engineering. The material’s proven track record in competition environments provides OEMs with confidence in long-term performance under realworld conditions.
Industrial-scale production capability
Current production infrastructure demonstrates readiness for volume manufacturing. Volvo’s EX30 electric vehicle offers Bcomp flax composite interior panels as standard equipment in select markets, representing the first mainstream production implementation. Tier 1 supplier SFG Composites operates 6,000 tonnes annual capacity across 11 presses specifically configured for natural fibre processing. Bcomp’s recent $40M Series C funding round targets automotive production scaling, with confirmed industrial-scale applications at Volvo and Polestar.
The material systems integrate seamlessly with existing manufacturing processes. Both ampliTex™ technical fabrics and powerRibs™ reinforcement grids function with conventional compression moulding and resin transfer moulding equipment, enabling OEMs to adopt flax composites without capital-intensive tooling modifications. Pre-impregnated thermoplastic variants (powerRibs™-PP, ampliTex™-PP) provide ready-to-use solutions for high-speed production lines.
The automotive industry is witnessing a fundamental shift in natural fibre composite adoption, aligned with Europe’s broader vision for a sustainable bioeconomy by 2040. Flax and hemp reinforced bio-based plastics and composite materials have successfully transitioned from motorsport and concept demonstrators to series production applications, marking a critical milestone in sustainable lightweighting and demonstrating how bio-based materials can provide fossil-free alternatives. This development directly supports the Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp’s objective of establishing European flax and hemp as the preferred sustainable premium fibres worldwide, particularly in technical composite applications.
As global automotive manufacturers intensify efforts to reduce lifecycle emissions and source sustainable materials, European flax and hemp composites offer domestically produced, performance-validated solutions that enhance Europe’s economic resilience while supporting the continent’s leadership in sustainable bio-based innovation.
The expanding Technical Section members of the Alliance, now exceeding 25 organizations spanning the complete value chain from agriculture to finished components, provides the collaborative infrastructure necessary for continued automotive penetration and demonstrates the integrated supply chain model essential for bioeconomy success.
Motorsport-to-production validation pathway
The progression from racing to road cars demonstrates systematic technical validation. BMW Motorsport and Porsche and Bcomp pioneered flax composite applications in motorsport using ampliTex™ and powerRibs™ materials. The 2022 BMW M4 GT4 extended this to closer-to-production applications. This rigorous motorsport testing has culminated in BMW Group’s 2025 announcement to integrate flax composites extensively into series production M cars, including exterior components—a world first for natural fibre materials in production automotive bodywork.
This validation methodology proves flax materials meet the demanding mechanical, thermal, and durability requirements of modern automotive engineering. The material’s proven track record in competition environments provides OEMs with confidence in long-term performance under realworld conditions.
Industrial-scale production capability
Current production infrastructure demonstrates readiness for volume manufacturing. Volvo’s EX30 electric vehicle offers Bcomp flax composite interior panels as standard equipment in select markets, representing the first mainstream production implementation. Tier 1 supplier SFG Composites operates 6,000 tonnes annual capacity across 11 presses specifically configured for natural fibre processing. Bcomp’s recent $40M Series C funding round targets automotive production scaling, with confirmed industrial-scale applications at Volvo and Polestar.
The material systems integrate seamlessly with existing manufacturing processes. Both ampliTex™ technical fabrics and powerRibs™ reinforcement grids function with conventional compression moulding and resin transfer moulding equipment, enabling OEMs to adopt flax composites without capital-intensive tooling modifications. Pre-impregnated thermoplastic variants (powerRibs™-PP, ampliTex™-PP) provide ready-to-use solutions for high-speed production lines.
Composites
Photo
Ecotechnilin focuses specifically on natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites for automotive interior applications, targeting lightweighting whilst maintaining acoustic and vibrational performance characteristics demanded by OEMs. Ecotechnilin has recently added a new production line to its Polish facility, confirming that strong customer demand, primarily from automotive customers, is fuelling their expansion to a new annual capacity of 13,000 tonnes.
Hemp fibres are also forming a key part of the high-volume automotive production sector with NAFILean, a new material featuring 20% natural hemp fibres with polypropylene, now providing a 100% recyclable composite that significantly reduces both weight and CO₂ footprint in car interiors without compromising mechanical performance or technical specifications. NAFILean has been created by Materi’act, the sustainable materials division of Forvia, delivering a lightweight, low environmental impact, interior material solution that successfully meets the performance targets of the automotive market.
Performance and environmental advantages
Technical performance data supports commercial adoption. For example, thermoplastic powerRibs™ systems achieve up to 50% weight reduction and 70% plastic reduction in interior panels compared to conventional materials, directly reducing vehicle mass and fuel consumption. European-sourced flax reinforcements provide CO2 reduction across the material lifecycle whilst maintaining mechanical properties suitable for both structural interior components and visible exterior applications.
The material offers design flexibility previously unavailable with synthetic fibres. The natural aesthetic of flax weaves creates functional and visual surfaces in single-layer applications, enabling premium interior finishes whilst eliminating secondary trim operations. This positions flax composites as both an engineering solution and a brand differentiation element for sustainability-focused vehicle programmes.
Liux, a Spanish sustainable mobility startup, is also pioneering the use of flax fibre composites in electric vehicle development, with their Animal and Big models featuring bodywork and chassis components made largely from flax fibres, formed and moulded with bio-based resins. Working in collaboration with Swancor, Liux uses flax fibre combined with recyclable resin EzCiclo to create parts that can be recycled through a simple degradation process. By creating vehicles that weigh around 50% less than the average urban vehicle, Liux clearly demonstrates that flax fibre composites can deliver both environmental and performance benefits in automotive applications.
Value chain integration: Alliance members enabling production scale
The transition to series production reflects coordinated development across the Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp member network.
Strategic partnerships demonstrate value chain integration. Saertex GmbH has formalised collaboration with Terre de Lin for non-crimp fabric development, combining Saertex’s textile engineering expertise with Terre de Lin’s agricultural capacity. Porcher Industries similarly partnered with Terre de Lin to develop Polypreg Flax thermoplastic reinforcements using Terre de Lin rovings, enabling ultrafast thermocompression moulding for automotive semi-structural components. These partnerships between textile processors and agricultural specialists address the historical inconsistency issues that previously constrained automotive qualification.
Safilin, another Alliance member specialising in technical flax fibre development, maintains dedicated R&D facilities investigating flax fibre properties for composite applications.
Hemp fibres are also forming a key part of the high-volume automotive production sector with NAFILean, a new material featuring 20% natural hemp fibres with polypropylene, now providing a 100% recyclable composite that significantly reduces both weight and CO₂ footprint in car interiors without compromising mechanical performance or technical specifications. NAFILean has been created by Materi’act, the sustainable materials division of Forvia, delivering a lightweight, low environmental impact, interior material solution that successfully meets the performance targets of the automotive market.
Performance and environmental advantages
Technical performance data supports commercial adoption. For example, thermoplastic powerRibs™ systems achieve up to 50% weight reduction and 70% plastic reduction in interior panels compared to conventional materials, directly reducing vehicle mass and fuel consumption. European-sourced flax reinforcements provide CO2 reduction across the material lifecycle whilst maintaining mechanical properties suitable for both structural interior components and visible exterior applications.
The material offers design flexibility previously unavailable with synthetic fibres. The natural aesthetic of flax weaves creates functional and visual surfaces in single-layer applications, enabling premium interior finishes whilst eliminating secondary trim operations. This positions flax composites as both an engineering solution and a brand differentiation element for sustainability-focused vehicle programmes.
Liux, a Spanish sustainable mobility startup, is also pioneering the use of flax fibre composites in electric vehicle development, with their Animal and Big models featuring bodywork and chassis components made largely from flax fibres, formed and moulded with bio-based resins. Working in collaboration with Swancor, Liux uses flax fibre combined with recyclable resin EzCiclo to create parts that can be recycled through a simple degradation process. By creating vehicles that weigh around 50% less than the average urban vehicle, Liux clearly demonstrates that flax fibre composites can deliver both environmental and performance benefits in automotive applications.
Value chain integration: Alliance members enabling production scale
The transition to series production reflects coordinated development across the Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp member network.
Strategic partnerships demonstrate value chain integration. Saertex GmbH has formalised collaboration with Terre de Lin for non-crimp fabric development, combining Saertex’s textile engineering expertise with Terre de Lin’s agricultural capacity. Porcher Industries similarly partnered with Terre de Lin to develop Polypreg Flax thermoplastic reinforcements using Terre de Lin rovings, enabling ultrafast thermocompression moulding for automotive semi-structural components. These partnerships between textile processors and agricultural specialists address the historical inconsistency issues that previously constrained automotive qualification.
Safilin, another Alliance member specialising in technical flax fibre development, maintains dedicated R&D facilities investigating flax fibre properties for composite applications.
Composites
Photo
Circular Structures and its brand Greenboats have been pioneering the application of natural fibre composites (NFC) across all industrial sectors. Their experience in designing and manufacturing highperformance NFCs has demonstrated real-world applications that provide automotive manufacturers with validated material specifications, processing knowledge, and performance data that reduces development risk and accelerates time-to-market. Through strategic partnerships with flax fibre suppliers, resin manufacturers, and automotive tier suppliers, Greenboats and Circular Structures now create an ecosystem that supports the entire value chain, making NFCs a practical and commercially viable alternative to traditional materials in automotive applications.
Strategic alignment with alliance objectives
These developments align precisely with the Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp’s strategic framework. The organisation’s mission to accelerate industrial adoption of European-grown flax in high-performance composite applications is demonstrably progressing. To support it’s members, the Alliance’s lifecycle assessment tool, developed in relation with the European Commission’s Product Environmental Footprint methodology, provides standardised environmental data essential for automotive sustainability reporting. This addresses OEM requirements for quantified, auditable emissions data across material supply chains. Meanwhile Alliance certification, via the Masters of flax fibre programme, guarantees the origin and the traceability of the flax fibres; prerequisites absent from earlier generation natural fibre materials.
Flax fibre composites have conclusively transitioned from niche demonstration applications to viable series production solutions. Current automotive implementations at Volvo and confirmed future programmes with BMW Group represent industrial validation, not experimental projects. The established production infrastructure, proven manufacturing compatibility, and substantial investment in capacity expansion indicate a sector poised for accelerated growth.
This transition supports the Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp’s strategic objective of positioning European flax as the leading technical natural fibre in composites. The automotive sector—demanding the highest performance standards, strictest quality control, and largest production volumes—now recognizes European flax and hemp materials as legitimate solutions for both interior and exterior applications. As OEMs intensify efforts to reduce vehicle lifecycle emissions, European flax composites provide a commercially proven, regionally sourced, and environmentally advantageous solution that meets the technical requirements of modern automotive engineering whilst delivering measurable sustainability improvements.
#composites #FlaxFiber #HempFiber
> source
Strategic alignment with alliance objectives
These developments align precisely with the Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp’s strategic framework. The organisation’s mission to accelerate industrial adoption of European-grown flax in high-performance composite applications is demonstrably progressing. To support it’s members, the Alliance’s lifecycle assessment tool, developed in relation with the European Commission’s Product Environmental Footprint methodology, provides standardised environmental data essential for automotive sustainability reporting. This addresses OEM requirements for quantified, auditable emissions data across material supply chains. Meanwhile Alliance certification, via the Masters of flax fibre programme, guarantees the origin and the traceability of the flax fibres; prerequisites absent from earlier generation natural fibre materials.
Flax fibre composites have conclusively transitioned from niche demonstration applications to viable series production solutions. Current automotive implementations at Volvo and confirmed future programmes with BMW Group represent industrial validation, not experimental projects. The established production infrastructure, proven manufacturing compatibility, and substantial investment in capacity expansion indicate a sector poised for accelerated growth.
This transition supports the Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp’s strategic objective of positioning European flax as the leading technical natural fibre in composites. The automotive sector—demanding the highest performance standards, strictest quality control, and largest production volumes—now recognizes European flax and hemp materials as legitimate solutions for both interior and exterior applications. As OEMs intensify efforts to reduce vehicle lifecycle emissions, European flax composites provide a commercially proven, regionally sourced, and environmentally advantageous solution that meets the technical requirements of modern automotive engineering whilst delivering measurable sustainability improvements.
#composites #FlaxFiber #HempFiber
> source
Dear participants and visitors of Composite-Expo 2026 Exhibition!
⚡️ The formation of the event's exposition is coming to an end.
There are only a few stands available for booking. Don't miss the chance to participate in the main industry event of the year!
📋 An up - to - date floor plan
and
📄 the exhibitors list
are available on the official website.
Let's remind you - this year's exhibition will be held from April 22 to 24 at the Crocus Expo IEC, Pavilion 3, Hall 13, Moscow, Russia.
⚡️ The formation of the event's exposition is coming to an end.
There are only a few stands available for booking. Don't miss the chance to participate in the main industry event of the year!
📋 An up - to - date floor plan
and
📄 the exhibitors list
are available on the official website.
Let's remind you - this year's exhibition will be held from April 22 to 24 at the Crocus Expo IEC, Pavilion 3, Hall 13, Moscow, Russia.
Composites
Photo
Hydrogen storage innovation from pressure vessels to cryogenics
With production growing and applications expanding, the hydrogen sector needs materials innovation more than ever. Composites are redefining pressure vessels, unlocking manufacturing efficiencies and addressing critical challenges like recycling and lifecycle costs. Marcus Walls-Bruck, Head of hydrogen technologies, National Composites Centre (NCC), UK, tells us about it.
As the hydrogen economy moves from bold ambition to tangible reality, the challenge is clear: we need materials that can handle extreme conditions while remaining cost-effective and scalable. NCC is transforming cutting-edge research and technology into industrial impact through advanced material solutions such as composites that are proving indispensable for storage and distribution. While existing pressure vessels are already showing strong commercial potential, there is still plenty of scope for innovation — be it addressing challenges on reducing weight, cutting costs or better end-of-life recycling. The global hydrogen sector produced around 97 million tonnes in 2024, but nearly all of this was ‘grey’ hydrogen. As the shift towards clean hydrogen accelerates — unlocking new applications in heavy industry, transport and dispatchable power — composite materials are emerging as a key enabler, creating fresh opportunities across the supply chain.
Current pressure vessel technology
Composite pressure vessels are now the cornerstone of hydrogen storage, and for good reason. Compared to metallic options, composites’ superior gravimetric efficiency gives the material a major edge for mobile applications. Operating at 700 bar and beyond, today’s composite tanks can withstand extreme structural loads without losing their lightweight advantage. They are used across diverse sectors — from tube trailers and off-highway vehicles to marine settings and pioneering hydrogen-electric flights like those from ZeroAvia. Rising production volumesreflect this growing confidence and manufacturers now turn out hundreds of thousands of vessels each year. However, this is still a nascent market with suppliers building capacity now to meet future demand, which is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Innovation opportunities in existing technologies
Commercial success aside, there is still plenty of room for improvement across various areas:
• Weight reduction: this remains vital, and the challenge lies in optimising material laminate design by understanding how different components interact to achieve the right balance between weight, performance and safety.
• Advanced health monitoring: digital-enabled tools that can detect damage in real time may unlock leaner designs with lower material use and could even reduce safety factors by actively tracking the condition of vessels.
• Manufacturing optimisation: even small defects can jeopardise high-pressure performance. More repeatable, defect-resistant processes will boost reliability and cut costs.
• End-of-life solutions: this is a major challenge. Carbon fibre is energy intensive to make and disposal is difficult. As a national innovation organisation solving industry’s biggest challenges, NCC is already leading work on continuous fibre recovery and exploring routes to viable, commercial-scale recycling (Figure 2).
• Cost reduction: pressure vessels represent a large slice of overall system cost, so reducing costs increases their economic viability. Innovation across the entire product lifecycle – materials, manufacturing, usage and recycling – is essential to achieve this.
#composites #HydrogenStorage #cryogenics
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With production growing and applications expanding, the hydrogen sector needs materials innovation more than ever. Composites are redefining pressure vessels, unlocking manufacturing efficiencies and addressing critical challenges like recycling and lifecycle costs. Marcus Walls-Bruck, Head of hydrogen technologies, National Composites Centre (NCC), UK, tells us about it.
As the hydrogen economy moves from bold ambition to tangible reality, the challenge is clear: we need materials that can handle extreme conditions while remaining cost-effective and scalable. NCC is transforming cutting-edge research and technology into industrial impact through advanced material solutions such as composites that are proving indispensable for storage and distribution. While existing pressure vessels are already showing strong commercial potential, there is still plenty of scope for innovation — be it addressing challenges on reducing weight, cutting costs or better end-of-life recycling. The global hydrogen sector produced around 97 million tonnes in 2024, but nearly all of this was ‘grey’ hydrogen. As the shift towards clean hydrogen accelerates — unlocking new applications in heavy industry, transport and dispatchable power — composite materials are emerging as a key enabler, creating fresh opportunities across the supply chain.
Current pressure vessel technology
Composite pressure vessels are now the cornerstone of hydrogen storage, and for good reason. Compared to metallic options, composites’ superior gravimetric efficiency gives the material a major edge for mobile applications. Operating at 700 bar and beyond, today’s composite tanks can withstand extreme structural loads without losing their lightweight advantage. They are used across diverse sectors — from tube trailers and off-highway vehicles to marine settings and pioneering hydrogen-electric flights like those from ZeroAvia. Rising production volumesreflect this growing confidence and manufacturers now turn out hundreds of thousands of vessels each year. However, this is still a nascent market with suppliers building capacity now to meet future demand, which is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Innovation opportunities in existing technologies
Commercial success aside, there is still plenty of room for improvement across various areas:
• Weight reduction: this remains vital, and the challenge lies in optimising material laminate design by understanding how different components interact to achieve the right balance between weight, performance and safety.
• Advanced health monitoring: digital-enabled tools that can detect damage in real time may unlock leaner designs with lower material use and could even reduce safety factors by actively tracking the condition of vessels.
• Manufacturing optimisation: even small defects can jeopardise high-pressure performance. More repeatable, defect-resistant processes will boost reliability and cut costs.
• End-of-life solutions: this is a major challenge. Carbon fibre is energy intensive to make and disposal is difficult. As a national innovation organisation solving industry’s biggest challenges, NCC is already leading work on continuous fibre recovery and exploring routes to viable, commercial-scale recycling (Figure 2).
• Cost reduction: pressure vessels represent a large slice of overall system cost, so reducing costs increases their economic viability. Innovation across the entire product lifecycle – materials, manufacturing, usage and recycling – is essential to achieve this.
#composites #HydrogenStorage #cryogenics
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Dear friends!
The 18th international exhibition "Composite-Expo 2026" opens in Moscow the day after tomorrow!
Over 160 exhibitors from Russia, Belarus, China, Turkey, and the Islamic Republic of Iran will be located in Hall 13 of Pavilion 3 at the Crocus Expo IEC.
Three days of active networking at the exhibition stands and business program events await.
🕒 Exhibition Hours:
April 22nd and 23rd: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
April 24th: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
🔸 Get a free invitation
🔸 Exhibition Venue
Some of the exhibitors: Aviation Paints and Varnishes Technologies, ACME RUS, Akrid, Vist Composite, VitaReaktiv, BasalTech, BMP Technology, Volna, Glasstex, Dugalak, Eurokhim-1 Functional Additives, Yeyskpolymer, ETS SP, ITEKMA, Carbon Studio, Carbonim, Composite-Products, Composite-Trade, M-Carbo, MegaPlast, Neva Technology, Niagara, Peleng, Polimerprom, Polotsk-Steklovolokno, Robiline, Rusatom Steklovolokno JSC, Sibur Tatneft-Presscomposit, F2 Innovations, KhimSnab Composite, Shelanger Chemical Plant Sayver, Epital ENPC, Umatex JSC, and many others.
🔸 Exhibitors Catalogue
🔸 Exhibition Floor Plan
As part of the exhibition's business program:
A specialized speaker session "Application of Polymer Materials and Advanced Technologies in the Oil and Gas Industry: Challenges, Priorities, and Rulemaking" will be held on April 22. Venue: Crocus Expo IEC, Pavilion 3, Hall 13, Conference Area, Booth C07. Organizers: ANO "Institute of Oil and Gas Technological Initiatives," Tatneft-Presscomposit LLC. The conference starts at 10:00 AM.
The Seventh Scientific and Practical Conference "Practical Aspects of Composite Materials Application in Various Industries" will be held on April 23. Venue: Crocus Expo IEC, Pavilion 3, Hall 13, Conference Area, Stand C07. Organizers: Mir-Expo Exhibition Company, Mir Kompozitov Publishing House. Opening hours: 12:40 p.m.
🔸 Business Program Events
The 17th International Specialized Exhibition POLYURETHANEX 2026 will be held in conjunction with COMPOSITE-EXPO from April 22 to 24 in Pavilion 3, Hall 13, Crocus Expo IEC.
We look forward to seeing you at the exhibitions and business program events!
#CompositeExpo2026 #CompositeExpo #CompositeExpoExhibition #composites #compositematerials
The 18th international exhibition "Composite-Expo 2026" opens in Moscow the day after tomorrow!
Over 160 exhibitors from Russia, Belarus, China, Turkey, and the Islamic Republic of Iran will be located in Hall 13 of Pavilion 3 at the Crocus Expo IEC.
Three days of active networking at the exhibition stands and business program events await.
🕒 Exhibition Hours:
April 22nd and 23rd: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
April 24th: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
🔸 Get a free invitation
🔸 Exhibition Venue
Some of the exhibitors: Aviation Paints and Varnishes Technologies, ACME RUS, Akrid, Vist Composite, VitaReaktiv, BasalTech, BMP Technology, Volna, Glasstex, Dugalak, Eurokhim-1 Functional Additives, Yeyskpolymer, ETS SP, ITEKMA, Carbon Studio, Carbonim, Composite-Products, Composite-Trade, M-Carbo, MegaPlast, Neva Technology, Niagara, Peleng, Polimerprom, Polotsk-Steklovolokno, Robiline, Rusatom Steklovolokno JSC, Sibur Tatneft-Presscomposit, F2 Innovations, KhimSnab Composite, Shelanger Chemical Plant Sayver, Epital ENPC, Umatex JSC, and many others.
🔸 Exhibitors Catalogue
🔸 Exhibition Floor Plan
As part of the exhibition's business program:
A specialized speaker session "Application of Polymer Materials and Advanced Technologies in the Oil and Gas Industry: Challenges, Priorities, and Rulemaking" will be held on April 22. Venue: Crocus Expo IEC, Pavilion 3, Hall 13, Conference Area, Booth C07. Organizers: ANO "Institute of Oil and Gas Technological Initiatives," Tatneft-Presscomposit LLC. The conference starts at 10:00 AM.
The Seventh Scientific and Practical Conference "Practical Aspects of Composite Materials Application in Various Industries" will be held on April 23. Venue: Crocus Expo IEC, Pavilion 3, Hall 13, Conference Area, Stand C07. Organizers: Mir-Expo Exhibition Company, Mir Kompozitov Publishing House. Opening hours: 12:40 p.m.
🔸 Business Program Events
The 17th International Specialized Exhibition POLYURETHANEX 2026 will be held in conjunction with COMPOSITE-EXPO from April 22 to 24 in Pavilion 3, Hall 13, Crocus Expo IEC.
We look forward to seeing you at the exhibitions and business program events!
#CompositeExpo2026 #CompositeExpo #CompositeExpoExhibition #composites #compositematerials