PARIS — January 2, 2013 — The whole world is going to converge on Paris, the composites capital, to
take part in the industry’s largest international technological showcase: “JEC Europe – Composites
Show & Conferences”, from March 12 – 14, 2013 at the Paris Porte de Versailles.
Conferences and a trade show of an unprecedented scale
Twelve key themes will be highlighted during the 3-days trade show: Design, Non-Destructive
Testing, Robotics, Aeronautics, Automotive, E-car, Wind Power, Carbon, Biocomposites,
Thermoplastics, Multifunctional Materials and Environment.
With 50,000 sqm of floor space, the equivalent of 8 soccer fields, the JEC Show will
represent the global composites industry and its most recent advances in heavily
composite-consuming sectors such as aerospace, aeronautics, shipbuilding, railway, automotive, mass
transportation, construction, equipment and sports & leisure.
A growing sector
“The global composites market represents 81.6 billion euros in value and 9.2 million metric
tons in volume for 2012. This market is growing an average of 6% per year. Composites are used more
and more often to lighten structures, aircraft, and vehicles in general, thus improving energy
efficiency,” states Frédérique Mutel, JEC Group President and CEO.
An innovative industry
“Innovation is present in each of the steps of the value chain. Producers of raw materials
(polymers, as well as carbon, glass and natural fibers) have heavily invested in the research and
development of new formulations. Downstream, at the part manufacturing level, the industry is also
highly innovative.”
Manufacturing technologies, an area of excellence for JEC Europe 2013
“The sector, notably in Europe, has strongly advanced in the processing of composites.
Especially in Europe, innovation is directed towards manufacturing, and in particular, mass
production,” specifies Frédérique Mutel. “Of all the patents granted for composites in Europe in
2011-2012, 52% involved robotics and automated manufacturing processes. It is probable that these
technological advances will primarily interest major international contractors and decision-makers
in countries with rapidly growing populations and economies.”
Posted on January 22, 2013
Source: JEC Group
