Acceleration of the composites industryat JEC

A record number of exhibitors (over 1,200) and visitors (over 32,000) from 88 countries has definitely settled JEC Europe (Paris, March 11-13) to be the first event for composites worldwide, covering the whole value chain and every application sector. Moreover, the event increased its surface area to 54,400 sqm (+8% compared to 2013) and moved to two levels of Paris Porte de Versailles pavilions 7. The two floors were completely full, to such an extent that JEC Group is considering the addition of a third floor for 2015. The growth of the composites sector is fueled by three main international trends: innovation and design driving further the penetration of these materials; competitive manufacturing; bigger volume in strong growth countries.
To be highlighted is JEC Group MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) signed with Korea Institute of Carbon Convergence Technology sealing a cooperation for networking opportunities and information sharing for Korean Companies on JEC platforms in particular JEC Asia in Singapore. Also, the MoU between the Nano Mikro Werkstoffe Photonik cluster from North Rhein Westfalia and the Maud cluster from Nord-Pas-De-Calais benefited from JEC impact to strengthen their ongoing collaboration. Similarly, the MoU between the Nagoya University, National Composite Center (NCC) - Greater Nagoya, and the CFK-Valley Stade - Niedersachsen to carry out joint R&D projects and realize innovations in the field of lightweight construction has been signed during JEC Europe 2014.
The attendance to the Innovative Composites Summit, where 39 speakers shared their latest advances in composites research and applications also proves the abundance of knowledge and networking opportunities. Besides, the brand new format of the JEC Innovation Awards ceremony highlighted 16 winners and their partners and prized their Composites Excellence. Moreover, the JEC business meetings program that puts together selected buyer's and exhibitors recorded no less than 600 meetings over the 3 days of the show. Likewise, the second Automotive Composites Circle brought together 60 key stakeholders of the automotive industry. This confirms JEC Group's plan to repeat this high-level event at the upcoming JEC Americas in Atlanta next May 13-15. Finally and for the first time, two Natural Fibres' Tours have been conducted with a guide, covering the visit of exhibitors specialized in composites based on natural fibres.
The next JEC Europe composites conferences and networking are scheduled in Paris on March 10-12, 2015.