EU food contact regulation - EuCIA assesses compliance of the composites sector

Following last year’s publication of the EU Regulation no 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, EuCIA is working together with its Members to assess industry compliance.  The EU Regulation no 10/2011 is effective from the 1st of May 2011 and it is applicable to thermoset composites coming into contact with food (e.g. kitchen applications, coffee machine parts, tanks and vessels, etc.).

For more information and activities in this direction, companies are encouraged to contact their National composites Associations. Companies are also encouraged to check the Union list of authorized monomers, other starting substances, macromolecules obtained from microbial fermentation, additives and polymer production aids (Annex I). 

Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 of 14 January 2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food

EuCIA Newsletter now available

The latest issue of EuCIA Newsletter - January 2012 is now available. To access the document please follow the link below.

EuCIA Newsletter January 2012

Styrene: Denmark Proposal for Classification and Labelling

In December 2010, the Danish Competent Authority logged a proposal for classification and labelling of styrene and to classify it being CMR 1b for reprotoxicity and STOT RE 1.

Following this development, a 45 day public consultation period started on October 10^th and ended on November 24^th, 2011.

On behalf of the Styrenes Producer Association (SPA), a sector group of CEFIC –APPE , the industry submitted on November 17^th  two extensive papers with scientific arguments . The claim on reprotox is refuted based on available scientific data. The industry agrees with a STOT RE1 classification, which was already done in the registration of styrene under the REACH process in 2010, but corrected comments related to neurotoxicity. Further a third comment is being submitted related to correct comments indicating STOT RE1 is not mentioned in the Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

For more information please contact us. To access the Reclassification of Styrene and the Influence on UP/VE resins document released by the European UP/VE Resin Association (EN/IT/PL/DE/ES/FR) follow the link below.

http://www.upresins.org/news-papers

Registrations now open for the first SMC/BMC Sustainability Conference of the European Alliance for SMC/BMC

On the 26-27 January 2012, the European Alliance for SMC/BMC will be organizing the first Sustainability Conference – Light Composite Materials – SMC/BMC – for a Sustainable Future. Supported by EuCIA, the Brussels based leading Association of the Composites Industry, the two days conference will take place in Brussels at Van der Valk Airport Hotel. 

SMC/BMC based products are sustainable 

Players from the SMC/BMC value chain, composites industry, composites related industries and public sector will come together to share expert knowledge on various aspects such as :  environmental aspects of SMC/BMC during the life cycle of a product, European legislation, recycling, sustainability & profitability for business, LCA, market challenges & tools driving sustainability of composites industry and many other more. 

For the full information package of the Conference, programme, registrations and venue details, please click here.

For more information do not hesitate to contact us.

The European UP Resin Sector Group of Cefic and EuCIA Member, releases statement concerning styrene-free technologies

Last week, the European UP Resin Sector Group of Cefic, whose membership includes Ashland, CCP Composites, Reichhold and Scott Bader released a statement concerning stryrene-free technologies. The European UP Resin Sector Group is member of EuCIA. 

To access the full statement, click here. 

For more information about the European UP Resin Sector Group, follow the link below.

http://www.upresins.org/default.aspx?page=109

SMC/BMC forecast an increase of 7% for 2011

The European Alliance for SMC/BMC releases the European market figures for 2010&2011 related to products and market applications. Based on the 2009 - 2010 comparison, the production volume of SMC/BMC in Europe increased to around 10%. 

To download the full market data please click here.

New anti-dumping procedure on certain glass fibre fabrics originating in China

Yesterday (28 July), the Official Journal of the EU published a notice of initiation of anti-dumping proceedings concerning certain woven and/or stitched glass fibre fabrics, originating in China. 

The complainant was lodged by the Glass Fibre Defence Coalition (GFFDC). The product under investigation is “fabrics of woven or stitched or woven and stitched continuous filament glass fibre rovings, excluding  products which are impregnated or pre-impregnated (pre-preg), and excluding open mesh fabrics with cells with assize of more than 1.8 mm in both length and width and weighing more than 35 g/m² (the product under investigation)”(Art.2). 

The European Commission invites all the relevant stakeholders to inform them as interested parties in the investigation within 15 days since the publication of the current notice. 

EuCIA, the European umbrella of the composites industry was notified as user of the product concerned and nominated as interested party in the proceedings.   

Further information: 

Notice of initiation 2011/C 222/12 in the Official Journal of the EU (28 July 2011)

COMPOSITES EUROPE and VDMA sign partnership agreement

SMC/BMC composite materials for key sectors in society deliver on sustainability

Last month, the European Alliance for SMC/BMC (EuCIA Member) released its Position Paper on the sustainability aspects of SMC/BMC based products. The document highlights industry’s commitment to reducing environmental impacts, during the whole life cycle of SMC/BMC based products of excellent performance.

Further information:

Position paper: Sustainability aspects of SMC/BMC based products

Press Release: SMC/BMC composite materials for key sectors in society deliver on sustainability

Website of the European Alliance for SMC/BMC

EuCIA, EuPC and ECRC sign memorandum of understanding on recycling and sustainability

At the end of June, the three leading European organizations – the European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA), the European Plastics Converters (EuPC) and the European Composite Recycling Services Company (ECRC) signed a memorandum of understanding to lead collaboration on recycling and sustainability of COMPOSITES industry at the European level.

Joint EuCIA/ EuPC/ ECRC Press Release

Best practices in the safe handling of UP/VE resins: the European UP/VE Resin Association and EuCIA update Safe Handling Guides

At the end of June, the European UP/VE Resin Association (a Cefic Sector Group) and EuCIA member released the updated versions of the Safe Handling Guides. The 14 Safe Handling Guides address key health, safety and environmental issues associated with the storage and processing of raw materials in the UP/VE resin industry. 

The objective of the Handling Guides is to communicate best practices of safe handling of UP/VE resins within the COMPOSITES manufacturing value chain towards a cleaner and safer polyester workshop. Drafted with the support of EuCIA, the Guides are providing specific information on aspects such as safe handling of materials used in composites production, storage of UP/VE resins, exposure monitoring, workplace ventilation, protective equipment and EU legislation relevant to the sector. 

The Safe Handling Guides are available in 6 languages (EN – DE – ES - FR – IT- PL).

To access the documents follow the link : http://www.upresins.org/safe-handling-guides

NATEX Newsletter - June 2011 Issue now available

NATEX (Natural Aligned Fibres and Textiles for Use in Structural Composites Applications) is a European Research and Development Project set up to develop innovative aligned textiles from natural fibres (flax and hemp) that are suitable for use as high‐strength reinforcing fabrics to produce structural composite materials and components.

EuCIA is a beneficiary in the project.

To access the latest NATEX Newsletter, June issue - click here.

To know more about NATEX, check the website http://www.natex.eu/

Styrene added on the 12th Report on Carcinogens, released by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Industry concerned about potential negative impacts on the sector and employment

On the 10th of June, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its 12th Report on Carcinogens.  This report includes now 240 compounds known or anticipated to be carcinogens. Among these substances, styrene    is    also listed as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen”. The decision to include styrene is highly contested by several organizations while a claim was also filed.

Styrene  listing  could   contribute  to  a  biased  future  EU  regulatory framework  for  the  industry,   creating   confusion   among  workers  and consumers  despite solid evidence already highlighted that styrene is not a human carcinogen.

EuCIA, the Brussels based organization of the composites industry is following closer these developments.

For more information contact us.

Joint Industry Position: Glass fibre reinforced thermosets: recyclable and compliant with the EU legislation

 The European Plastics Converters (EuPC), the European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA) and the European Composite Recycling Service Company (ECRC) welcome the End-of-Life of Vehicles Directive (2000/53/EC) and the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC): glass fibre reinforced thermosets are both material and energy recyclable through the cement kiln route and compliant with the EU legislation.

 

View publication.

EURECOMP Project - Thermosets recycling via solvolysis

Finding recycling options for thermoset composites has been one of the priorities of composites industry for many years. Amongst diffrent options under the chemical recycling technology - solvolysis – or physico-chemical separation was also considered. The solvolysis process breaks down the thermoset resin and removes it from the fibres.  

The final aim of this particular process is full material recovery. This is also one of the objectives of EURECOMP project, an EU funded collaborative project under the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013). Started in May 2009, the project brings together 14 partners from all areas of expertise.  

ECRC, the European Composite Recycling Services Company and member of EuCIA is beneficiary in the project whose tasks are targeted towards dissemination of projects results to the European industry. 

To get the latest information on EURECOMP developments, follow the link below.

A second life for composite waste: recycling thermosets by solvolysis (April 2011)

For additional information, contact us.

COMPOSITES ARE RECYCLABLE

In a highly professional business environment, industry experts came together to debate recycling & sustainability solutions for the composites industry. This was the objective of the first EuCIA information day organized on the 4th of May, in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Three panel speakers representing leading figures from the industry, highlighted initiatives carried out at European, national and company level on composites recycling.  Recycling and Waste Management has become an essential factor of consideration for industries and decision-makers. Striking the right balance between remaining competitive and reducing the negative effects on the environment is becoming more challenging.  

In his keynote speech, Holger Krahmer, Member of the European Parliament,   Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ALDE Group) noted that: “Environment-friendly substances, technologies or products do not per se fulfil the demand of being affordable. Nor are all answers to political questions on those in practice ready for the market. I recommend that the hunt for the better technologies should be left to the market. “ 

Closing the debate, Volker Fritz, EuCIA President added that the composites industry is fully committed to a sustainable future for the business and the highly innovative potential of the composites industry will trigger further knowledge on recycling. These developments will need to be supported by an open dialogue between all the actors in the value chain and the public sphere.  

Full debate report EN 

Full programme

Presentations

The debate presentations are freely available to EuCIA Members upon request to Anna Maroszek at Anna.Maroszek@eupc.org. For non-participants and non-EuCIA members, the presentations are available for € 100 + VAT. To order the presentations, please fill in the form below and send it to EuCIA by fax +32 2 732 42 18. 

EuCIA Info Day Order form

BioStruct training event on Bio-fibres and their Processing

Date: 07 June 2011

Location: VTT, Jyväskylä, Finland 

The BioStruct project consortium hereby cordially invites you to attend the second BioStruct training event to be held on June 7^th 2011 at the VTT premises in Jyväskylä, Finland. Attendance at this event will be free of charge.  

Agenda and speakers  

10.00 am            Opening by Project Manager,

10.15 am            “State of the Art” in Bio-Composites - Wood fibres,

11.15 am              „State of the Art” in Bio-Composites - Cellulose fibres,     

                           Martin Marsche/ Josef Innerlohinger, Lenzing

12.15 am            Lunch break

13.30 pm            Properties of BioStruct Materials,

                            Lars Ziegler, Tecnaro / Denis Chantegraille, Addiplast

14.30 pm          Manufacture and use of BioStruct materials,

                           Dr. Jan Diemert, Fraunhofer-Institut für Chemische Technologie            

                            Outlook, Dr. Jan Diemert, Fraunhofer ICT

15.45 pm            Coffee break followed by optional visit to the VTT Labs   

To register for this event please fill in and return the Registration Form below by May 30th, 2011 to Padraig Nolan by email (padraig.nolan@eupc.org) or by Fax +32 (0) 273 242 18.

Registration Form  

To use our online registration form, please follow the link: http://www.biostructproject.eu/index.php?id=training 

For more information please contact the BioStruct project Coordinator Dr. Jan Diemert. We look forward to seeing you at this event and we trust your participation will prove beneficial. Sincerely,the BioStruct project consortium. 

Partners

BioStruct involves 21 partners from 10 different European countries. The partners represent the entire development chain, including material development, process development and industrial end use. The project is coordinated by the Fraunhofer ICT in Germany. 

Funding

BioStruct is a large-scale collaborative project funded by the European Commission. The total funding from the Commission is approximately 6.8 million € over a four year period. The project has been running since September 2008.  

The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community's  Seventh Framework Programme (FP7-NMP-2007-LARGE-1)  under grant agreement number 214714

INVITATIONJoin us for an unique EuCIA Information Day 

COMPETITIVE COMPOSITESSustainability & Recycling Challenges

4^th of May 2011 

Recycling and Waste Management has become an essential factor of consideration for industries and decision-makers. Finding the right balance between market demands, stricter environmental regulations, remaining competitive and reducing costs has become a growing challenge for the European composites industry. In an effort to overcome these burdens, while at the same time fostering sustainable business models, the composites industry is fully committed to integrating sustainability in the business environment.

Industry representatives, academia and politicians tend to see their recycling problems as unique. Sharing information on composites recycling at European level has been relatively rare. To help fill this gap, we plan to bring together industry representatives active in various applications in a unique Information Day – Competitive Composites: Sustainability & Recycling Challenges to discuss and share information about composites recycling options and sustainability. 

The European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA) and its Members across Europe invite you to attend the Information Day – Competitive Composites: Sustainability & Recycling Challenges on the 4^th of May.

The event will take place on Wednesday, the 4^th of May at 9h00 in the European Parliament in Brussels with the support of Mr. Holger Krahmer, Member of the European Parliament,   Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ALDE Group).

Registration and Participation

The event is free of charge for participants. However, an administration fee for participants applies. EuCIA Members pay an administration fee of € 40 (VAT excluded), non-members pay € 80 (VAT excluded). The administration fee includes lunch and an event package containing the presentations. 

Programme of the Information Day, Registration Form and Location (EN, DE)

Please note that the Registration Form must be returned to EuCIA, at the latest, by Friday, the 22^nd of April.

We are looking forward welcoming you to the first EuCIA Information day on Sustainability & Recycling in a highly professional environment  

For further information on EuCIA event, please feel free to contact:

Alisa De Backer  alisa.de.backer@eucia.org or by phone +32 (0) 2 739 63 89.

Anna Maroszek  Anna.Maroszek@eupc.org or phone +32 (0) 2 732 41 24.

Definitive import duties of 13.8% on glass fibre originating in China to be imposed

On the 15^th of March, the  Official Journal of the European Union published Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 248/2011 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain continuous filament glass fibre products originating in China (AD549). The duty rate decided by the Council was set at 13.8%, while yarns were excluded from the product scope.

The Council Regulation follows the vote of the EU27 Member States representatives on the European Commission proposal, which took place earlier this year (see Press Release January 2011). The definitive duties will be imposed from the 16 th  of March 2011 and be applicable for the next 5 years.

European users entitled to refunding

Provisional duties of 43.6% in the AD549 case were imposed for a period of 6 months since the 17 ^th of September (Commission Regulation 812/2010).  While the definitive duties of 13.8% are significantly lower that the provisional duty rates, European users are entitled to request the refund of the excess duties. EuCIA encourages the users to get in contact with the EU national authorities concerning the procedure which needs to be followed to release the duties.

Reduced final duties by 68% from the provisional phase - the EU legal trade mechanisms need to  be addressed

Commenting on the final outcome, Volker Fritz (EuCIA President) noted: “The European users are not fully satisfied with the final result and the negative effects such duties have on business, SMEs in particular. Moreover, this investigation raised several questions about the effectiveness of EU legal trade mechanisms and the investigations procedure attached to it”. These views were also shared by EuPC, the leading EUlevel trade Association representing the interests of the European converters across Europe.

EuCIA continues to safeguard the interests of the European Users towards a fair trade business  environment and foster cooperation with related industries

As the European body reuniting the composites industry under the same umbrella, EuCIA will continue to advocate the interests of its Members and highlight  the significant input provided for the European competitiveness and innovation. An estimated 10.000  companies are actively involved in composites production across Europe and employing more than 150.000 people.

The composites industry is central to the European economy and to meeting demand from a wide range of major industrial sectors such as automotive & transport , building and construction, electrics & electronics,  sport & leisure, wind energy and energy conservation. 

NATEX workshop on bio‐composites oriented towards the textiles sector

INVITATION

Join us for a unique NATEX bio‐composites experience 

The NATEX Partners invite you to attend the first NATEX workshop on bio‐composites oriented towards the textiles sector

The one day free workshop will take place on the 22nd of March 2011 and is hosted by the Institut of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants (INFMP) in the beautiful city of Poznan (Poland).

 NATEX (Natural Aligned Fibres and Textiles for Use in Structural Composites Applications) is a European Research & Development funded project which aims to develop aligned textiles from natural fibres that are suitable for use as high‐strength reinforcing fabrics to produce structural composite materials and components. 

For the validation of the new materials and processes, 4 case studies will be developed, by designing specific parts used for structural applications in four industrial sectors: transport systems (automotive), energy systems (housing for solar and thermal panels), agricultural systems (tractors) and shipbuilding (inside door).

Programme of the Workshop and Registration 

Online registration (deadline for registrations – 15 March 2011)  

We look forward welcoming you to the first NATEX workshop in a professional and expert environment 

For further information please contact:

NATEX gathers 17 partners from across Europe with various types of expertise in the bio‐composites development chain. The project is coordinated by AIMPLAS in Spain. 

Funding

NATEX is a collaborative project targeted at SMEs and is funded by the European Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). 

The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community’s Seventh Framework Program me (FP7/2007 – 2013) under grant agreement no 214467 (NATEX)

Definitive anti-dumping duties of 13.8% on glass fibre originating in China are likely to be imposed

Based on EuCIA sources, representatives of the EU27 Member States provisionally voted last week on the European Commission proposal for definitive anti-dumping duties on glass fibre originating in China. The Commission proposes definitive import duties of 13.8 % and excludes yarns from the proceedings. The definitive import duties are to be imposed from the 17th of March 2011 for a period of 5 years if finally agreed by the Council of the European Union later next month. 

The Commission proposal provisionally voted last week by the EU27 Member States was initially released for consultation in December 2010. The proposal followed the Commission Regulation 812/2010 imposing provisional import duties of 43.6% for a period of 6 months since the 17th of September 2010. 

Following this development, the European Commission will now formally communicate the proposal for definitive measures for consultation and voting in the Council of the European Union. A final vote is expected next month. If voted in favour, the definitive measures are expected to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union on the 16th of March 2011. EuCIA will continue advocating in this case the interests of the European composites industry.

Further reading: EuCIA Press Release January 2011 

For more information contact us.

BioStruct training event on processing and properties of Bio-Composites

Date: 16 February 2011

Location: Fraunhofer ICT, Karlsruhe, Germany 

Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) have been an important research topic in Europe over the past few years. This is due both to the increasing price of standard polymers and the need to shift towards sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials. In Europe, conventional WPCs are limited to niche markets. Cheap, waste wood from the wood industry is combined with recycled polymers, but the low quality, poor optical appearance and low durability of these products makes them unsuitable for many applications. 

BioStruct aims to develop the next generation of wood and cellulose-reinforced composites – so-called „enhanced wood-plastic composites” (eWPCs) – for complex structural and multifunctional components. The project will involve both the development of new materials with improved and consistent mechanical and thermal properties, and the development of suitable processes to maximise the potential of these materials. The newly developed materials and processes will be implemented in four different industrial sectors: automotive, construction, electronics and packaging.

 Agenda and speakers  

10.00 am            Opening by Project Manager, Dr. Jan Diemert, Fraunhofer-Institut für Chemische Technologie

10.15 am           “State of the Art” in Bio-Composites, Lars Ziegler, Tecnaro GmbH

11.15 am           Compounding of Bio-Composites, Dr. Jan Diemert, Fraunhofer-Institut für Chemische Technologie

12.00 am            Lunch break

13.30 pm            Processing of Bio-Composites, Gerhard Bäck, Engel Austria GmbH

14.15 pm            Properties of BioStruct Materials, Katja Klophaus, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

15.00 pm            Outlook, Herbert Perschl, Alento AG

15.45 pm            Closing  

To register for this event please fill in and return the Registration Form below by February 10, 2011 to Tina Autenrieth by email (tina.autenrieth@eupc.org) or by Fax +32 (0) 273 242 18. 

Registration Form  

To use our online registration form, please follow the link:

http://www.biostructproject.eu/index.php?id=training 

For more information please contact the BioStruct project Coordinator Dr. Jan Diemert. We look forward to seeing you at this event and we trust your participation will prove beneficial.  

Partners

BioStruct involves 21 partners from 10 different European countries. The partners represent the entire development chain, including material development, process development and industrial end use. The project is coordinated by the Fraunhofer ICT in Germany. 

Funding

BioStruct is a large-scale collaborative project funded by the European Commission. The total funding from the Commission is approximately 6.8 million € over a four year period. The project has been running since September 2008.  

The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7-NMP-2007-LARGE-1) under grant agreement number 214714

European Commission proposes duties of 13,8% on Chinese fibre in the AD 549 investigation

Commission considers arguments presented by EuCIA and Industry representatives

Based on EuCIA sources, the European Commission has released this week a document to the EU27 Member States for consultation on the ongoing investigation into certain glass fibre originating in China (AD549). The consultative document represents the final conclusions of the Commission since the start of the investigation on  the 17^th of December 2009.

The Commission considered the points raised by EuCIA and industry representatives to a large extend and is proposing definitive measures of 13.8% as of 16^th of March 2011. Additionally, the proposal excludes yarns from the proceedings.  This proposal follows the Commission Regulation 812/2010 imposing provisional import duties of 43.6% for a period of 6 months since the 17^th of September.

EuCIA welcomes the new proposal of the Commission to significantly reduce the duties by more than 50% as a first step into the Users direction, but continues to highlight that the impacts of such duties - if finally imposed – will seriously damage the composites production – and should not be underestimated.

Joined efforts from the industry against the investigation following provisional duties

Since the notification of the provisional measures of 43.6%, a high number of Users and Associations representing the interests of parties involved in the composites productions across Europe jointly questioned the investigation and the initial conclusions – as unrealistic and unrepresentative of the industry.

In the light of the new proposal from the Commission and the proposed definitive duties of 13.8% which represents a very high difference compared with the initial 43.6% figure, the users continue to highlight that import duties should not have been imposed at all in the first place. With an estimated number of 10.000 companies across Europe and around 150.000 employees, such duties will lead to negative consequences for the national economies and employment creation and retention.

Still: Definitive duties are NOT decided – awareness of the impacts at national level needs to go on

On the 13^th of January, representatives of the EU27 Member States will meet in Brussels and discuss the Commission proposal. The proposal will be accepted unless an absolute majority i.e. 14 Member States will vote against it.

EuCIA encourages interested parties to get in contact with the national government and association as soon as possible and explain the effects of import duties on your business.

For more information contact us.

Anti-dumping measures on glass fibre products from China could reach shocking levels of 43.6% - European composites industry calls on the users to react now

Following the recent note concerning trade measures imposed by India and Turkey on glass fibre originating in China (23/07/2010), EuCIA fears that the European users might be faced with similar measures at the EU level.

The ongoing investigation into glass fibre products originating in China (AD549) is coming to a first conclusion. The anti-dumping complaint was lodged in 2009 by the European Glass Fibre Producers (APFE). According to EuCIA sources, the European Commission plans provisional measures of 43.6% on glass fibre products as of 17 September. 

The European composites industry considers that such measures would be absolutely against the Community interest and will be detrimental for the composites users in the short and long term. The current glass fibre shortage reflected in the market and the persistent low business confidence level as a result of the crisis is currently experienced by the European composites industry.  To this situation, the users are now running the risk of being faced with unrealistic and very high anti-dumping duties. 

Very short deadline for the EU27 Member States to react

The decision now lies in the hands of 27 EU Member States, but they have a very short timeframe to react to the proposal regarding the proposed provisional duties. The national governments are expected to provide their written opinion by the 11^th of August. Based on the input received from the national governments of all 27 Member States, the European Commission will formulate its decision regarding provisional duties. 

Support from companies and national associations is essential at this stage – take an active stand and contact your government

EuCIA is strongly encouraging companies to contact their National composites Association and together contact your local/national government. Do raise awareness about the impact resented by composite companies and the overall effects on employment and economy import duties will have if applied. 

For more information contact us.

Anti-dumping measures on Chinese glass fibre by India and Turkey are setting an unprecedented situation for the composites industry: European users uncertain about what the future holds for them

EuCIA was recently informed that both India and Turkey imposed anti-dumping measure on glass fibre from China. In India’s case the provisional measures are reaching levels of an astonishing 40. 86%. EuCIA sources also noted that Turkey’s users were critically affected. Turkey’s provisional measures were set at 38% which represents additional costs to the already 7% existing import duty. The results of these developments driven by producers are having serious effects for the composites industry worldwide and contribute to the growing uncertainties for the European users. 

European level: no decision on anti-dumping investigation on glass fibre originating in China

Following this unprecedented situation, the ongoing investigation of the European Commission on glass fibre products from China (AD549) is still going on. As the voice of the European composites industry, EuCIA is strongly opposing any type of protectionist measures and these views have been expressed several times to the European officials. 

Due to intensive pressure from the European industry and the prospect of negative effects for users already happening (e.g. shortage of glass fibre) on the market, no decision has been taken yet by the European officials on this case.Further on, EuCIA advocacy actions are focused at national level. The European industry called on EU 27 Member States to oppose any provisional measures which will most likely create social and economic disruptions at national level. An estimated number of 10.000 companies and 150.000 employees will be seriously affected by import duties on glass fibre products and the future looks even bleak for this sector. 

You need to act now

Provisional measures are not imposed. EuCIA is calling on all European glass fibre users to join forces on opposing import duties.Do contact your local/ national authorities and explain them the effects of import duties on your business and employment. Get in touch with your National Composites Association for further advice or contact us directly.  

We need to act now together to secure a good business environment for the composites industry. For more information contact us.

Glass Fiber Manufacturers start antidumping procedure – effects on the composite industry unclear

On 17 December 2009, the Official Journal of the EU published a notice of initiation of anti-dumping proceedings concerning imports of certain continuous filament glass fiber products from China. The complaint was lodged by the European Glass Fiber Producers Association (APFE).

According to EuCIA, the Brussels based European Composites Industry Association and EuPC, the Trade Association of the European Plastics Converters this antidumping case could have several effects on the Composite Industry.

Past antidumping cases have shown that outcomes are unpredictable and in some situations – irrational. EuCIA together with EuPC will meet representatives of the European Commission to get a clearer idea about the anti-dumping investigation into glass fiber originating in China.

More info: EuCIA Press Release (EN) (DE)

ECRC and the European Alliance for SMC/BMC are jointly looking for a European Manager

The European Composites Recycling Services Company (ECRC) and the European Alliance for SMC/BMC are looking to fill in the position of a European Manager (m/f). The successful candidate will be based at our offices in Brussels, Belgium.

For more information about the job description and the application procedure click here. 

Call for papers for the 10th World Pultrusion Conference

In the period 8 - 9 April 2010, Barcelona will host the 10th World Pultrusion Conference. The event is organized by the European Pultrusion Technology Association (EPTA).

As a first step in this process, EPTA issued a call for papers targeting various aspects such as market development in Europe, USA and Asia, innovative solutions, raw materials (fibres & resins developments) and sustainability.

Potential speakers are encouraged to fill in this form by 25 November 2009. 

More information: EPTA

EuCIA participates to another successful year for COMPOSITES EUROPE show and highlights growing activities

During this year’s Composites  Europe Show in Stuttgart (27- 29 October), more than 300 exhibitors and an increase of 15 % from last year, showcased technologies and products covering the entire value chain of fibre- reinforced plastics . Taking place for the fourth time, the show provided the participants with a variety of options including new special forums and themes in a professional environment.

As a cofounder , EuCIA introduced the visitors to our growing activities and key strategic pillars - GROW – provision of supportive activities to grow the COMPOSITE market, KNOW – collection and sharing of knowledge and education to increase the internal performance of COMPOSITES, SHOW - active involvement and influence European legislation towards a smooth trading environment for the COMPOSITE industry.

Mr. Fritz Volker, EuCIA President, noted:” “EuCIA’s activities are growing despite these difficult times. This positive outcome is mostly due to the hard work carried out by our members – National Associations and Sectorial Organisations – at national and local level with the support of the new General Manager Alisa De Backer.

For the first time during the show, a special bio-materials forum was held, introducing the audience to EU- financed projects which are aiming towards developing sustainable composites. The EU-financed projects are under the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/ 2007-2013).

As partner in three projects with tasks related to dissemination, training and promotion, EuCIA introduced for the first time to the public Natex, BioStruct and Woody.

The COMPOSITES EUROPE 2010 Show will be held in Essen from 14 - 16 September.

More info: EuCIA Press Release (EN, DE)

EU-financed project for sustainable composites based on natural resources - NATEX - to be presented during COMPOSITES EUROPE Show in Stuttgart

Natural Aligned Fibres and Textiles for Use in Structural Composites Applications (NATEX), an EU funded project composed of 16 partners across Europe will be introduced for the first time at the COMPOSITES EUROPE Show in Stuttgart (27 – 29 October).

The main aim of NATEX is the promotion and development of aligned textiles from natural fibres such as hemp and flax, suitable for use as high strength reinforced fabrics to produce structural composite materials and components.

Presentation of Woody, an EU-funded project on Innovative Advanced Wood-Based Composite Materials and Components, during the COMPOSITES EUROPE Fair in Stuttgart

The Project’s main objectives are to develop and promote composite structures from renewable materials, that is, wood-derived cellulose fibres and resins obtained from natural raw materials, to develop an innovative process covering the entire value chain of composites, i.e. fibre, matrix and core derived from natural resources materials, and to apply these innovative materials in an eco-sustainable manner in the sectors of transportation and building and construction, as well as in the furniture, music instrument and toy industries.

EU funded project– BioStruct – will present new developments in the field of bio – composites during the COMPOSITES Europe show in Stuttgart, in hall C2, stand E25

The EU-funded project BioStruct, which aims to develop complex structural and multifunctional components made from wood and cellulose-reinforced composites, will present the latest material and processing technology in wood fibre composites during COMPOSITES Europe Show in Stuttgart (27th – 29th October).

As a partner in the project and task leader for training activities, EuCIA will be present to the event together with other partners in the consortium. 

 Press Release: EU funded project– BioStruct – will present new developments in the field of bio – composites during the COMPOSITES Europe show in Stuttgart 

EuCIA names new General Manager and elects Board structure

Last week on the 9th June, EuCIA Board and General Assembly met in Brussels at EuPC headquarters. During the General Assembly meeting Alisa De Backer (28) was named the new EuCIA General Manager, effective 9 June 2009. She succeeded Ab Kasper, General Manager of EuCIA and veteran with over 35 years experience in the industry, who retired from this position. De Backer joined the Composite Organisation last year in October and has been employed as Project Manager since then. 

The General Assembly also reelected Volker Fritz as EuCIA President for another 3 years and appointed the Board composition for 2009 - 2012. The President gave a warm welcome to Roberto Frassine, President of the Italian National Association ASSOCOMPOSITI and Professor of Materials Engineering and Polymeric Materials at the Milan Polytechnic, who became Board member. 

Press Release: EuCIA appoints Alisa De Backer as new General Manager -General assembly confirms Volker Fritz as President 

JEC / EuCIA CEO Conference - Growth strategies during turbulent times: lessons and challenges for leaders

What’s next for the markets? Is a downturn an opportunity? Does innovation hold the answer? Is becoming greener the right next move? Join us for a truly unique two days conference on June 18 -19 and get the latest on the business. EuCIA and JEC will host first CEO conference in Geneva to debate, together with high level speakers, current challenges and look into the future.  

Who should attend?

Presidents, Vice Presidents, CEOs, General Managers, Executive Managing Directors. Small, medium-sized or global business entrepreneurs in the composite business.Raw-materials producers, processor, distributor, equipment manufacturer or final end-user. 

What to expect?

12 General Sessions featuring 14 CEO level speakers and 4 discussion groups.  

Full Programme and Registration

Growth strategies during turbulent times: lessons and challenges for leaders

EuCIA promotes the European composites industry during JEC Composites Show in Paris

Last week, Paris hosted its yearly JEC Composites Show (24-26 March), an event which gathered European players active in the composites sector. EuCIA participated to this event as an exhibitor. During the JEC, EuCIA highlighted its 3 strategic pillars – We Know – We Show - We Grow - the World of Composites.

“Our core value to the industry lies with the high variety of processing technologies, applications and innovative solutions”, said Volker Fritz, EuCIA President. “This event allowed EuCIA to promote the activities of its members and communicate about its developments for 2009. As EuCIA being the unified voice of the European composites, we will continue to promote our industry and provide growth platforms and offer opportunities for our members”.

During the 2009 technical sales session, within the JEC Composites Show, Elmar Witten – Managing Director of AVK and EuCIA member held a presentation about the challenges and opportunities of the composites market in Europe.

EuCIA and JEC will host first European CEO Leadership Conference 2009 - The Composite Industry: Growth Strategies during turbulent times (18-19 June) and will exhibit during the COMPOSITES Europe Show in Stuttgart (27-29 October).

Presentation :The Composites Market in Europe (AVK).

EuCIA publishes Activities Report 2008

EuCIA published its first Activities Report 2008. The Report highlights the main activities carried out in 2008. Some of these activities include: involvement in EU Research& Development funded projects, participation to various events & European fairs and other communication and promotional activities.

For EuCIA Activities Report 2008 please click here (.pdf)

EuCIA Press Release (.pdf)

The Composites Market in Europe: Market Developments, Challenges, and Opportunities

Occupational exposure to styrene decreased consistently in the GRP industry in the last 30 years.

European Alliance for SMC/BMC now under the umbrella of EuCIA

Reach in the composites industry update

REACh in the Composites Industry

Preregistration is the first important step in the implementation of the REACh regulation. Through pre-registration manufacturers and importers of chemical substances are showing their intention to the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) in Helsinki, which substances they produce and import, they are going to register.

Download document to read more.

EuCIA job offer project manager

EuCIA has a vacancy for the successor to the present EuCIA Sector Group Manager.

REACh in the composites industry

The Athens Summit

European Composites Industry Association launches ‘UFO Contest’

The European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA) is launching a competition which challenges teams of engineering students from across Europe with the goal of designing a flying object made from composite materials. The competition aims to raise awareness of the benefits of composites in the aerospace industry.

http://www.idspackaging.com/packaging/europe/engineering_skills/3241/pressrelease_content.html

Composites-Interessen werden gebündelt

Sustainable growth

After a difficult period of no growth, composites producers are optimistic about the future. Healthy business in traditional segments like marine has brought new growth in the last two years. 

Investment in new applications and a targeted approach to new markets will make this growth sustainalbe - according to EuCIA, whiwh is now a sector group of EuPC...

The future in a word

The future of planes