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18 Mar 2008

Global demand for materials is steering buyers towards composites

© JEC

“Today, professionals are looking for solutions that optimize raw materials and performance. With the current strong demand for raw materials – especially in Asia – and constantly rising prices, buyers are turning to composite materials because they combine low weight, strength, and savings on materials. Over the past five years, the composite industry recorded an 8% yearly growth globally, up to €53 billion versus €42 billion in 2002”, says JEC Group President and CEO Frédérique Mutel.

Paris will be the world capital for an animated composite industry during three days in which the JEC Composites Show will host buyers actively seeking composite solutions (one out of two visitors is a buyer).

The JEC Composites Show is registering exceptional growth
The 43rd JEC Composites Show, Europe’s largest composites trade fair, will be held on April 1-3, 2008 at the Paris Expo fairgrounds at the Porte de Versailles. This year it has beat all its own records, with a greatly increased surface area – now 43,500 m2 – including seven 6,000-m2 halls and, for the first time, an outdoor exhibit area. More than 1,000 exhibiting brand names and 25,000 participants (visitors, lecturers, audience and journalists from the world over) are expected at the Show.

The main buyer sectors are transportation (automotive, railway and marine), building & construction, aeronautics, sports and consumer goods. Together, these four industries account for 73% of the global composites market. Wind energy, tanks, pipes, and electrical & electronic equipment are other sectors that previously accounted for a tiny share of the market but are now growing fast.

World firsts at the JEC Composites Show
Each sector exhibits its latest innovations. In aeronautics, for example, the infusion-moulded Boeing 787 wing structure will be featured. This is the first time that the infusion process has been used at such a large scale on a commercial aircraft. It is to be used in all future Boeing aircraft programmes and derivatives.
Another example is the revolutionary biocomposite boat, the Gazelle des Sables, illustrating the “eco-construction” approach used in its manufacturing and for its end of life processing. A wide array of applications and innovations will be presented at the user forums. The Environment Forum, created by JEC in 2001, is presenting the latest recycling solutions.

Next rendezvous :
JEC Composites Show – April 1, 2, 3, 2008, Paris
JEC Composites Asia, October 22, 23, 24, 2008, Singapour
JEC Composites Show, March 24, 25, 26 2009, Paris

Source : JEC