#174 Introducing EuCIA'sgame-changing initiative: the European Composites Circular Alliance (ECCA)

The future of composites is circular—and it starts now.

At the stunning Villa Erba during JEC Forum Italy, I had the
opportunity to speak with RAPHAEL PLEYNET,
Managing Director of The European Composites Industry
Association; EuCIA about a game-changing initiative: the
European Composites Circular Alliance (ECCA).

Launched at JEC World 2025 in collaboration with the European
Commission, ECCA is a voluntary, industry-led movement to
accelerate circularity in the composites sector.

It’s inspired by the success of the Circular Plastics Alliance
(CPA)—but tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of
composites.

What makes ECCA different?

It’s proactive:

The composites industry isn’t waiting for regulation. It’s
stepping up now.

It’s inclusive:

Open to all players—raw material suppliers, OEMs, recyclers,
waste managers, and even individual experts.

It’s action-oriented:

Starting July 3, 2025, ECCA will launch executive working groups
to tackle real-world challenges—waste codes, logistics, recycling
standards, and market development for recyclates. (Join us live
on 3/7/2025 at 10.30am (CEST), Link in the comments)

It’s timebound:

With a 2–4 year horizon, the goal is to deliver tangible results
fast.

This initiative is not just timely—it’s essential.

The European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal
calls for decarbonization, circularity, and innovation across all
sectors. ECCA is a direct response to that call, offering a
roadmap for sustainable growth in a sector that’s often
overlooked but critical to Europe’s green transition.

As Raphael said, “We don’t want to wait for regulation. We want
to be proactive.” And that’s exactly what ECCA is doing—turning
sustainability into a business case, not just a buzzword.

If you’re part of the composites value chain, this is your
moment. Join the alliance (Link in the comments). Shape the
standards. Influence the future.

Signing up takes one minute. Participation is free (Link in the
comments). The impact? Potentially transformative. I have been
the first signatory in fact with Composites
Lounge

Watch the full 10-minute interview to hear Raphael’s insights and
learn how you can get involved. Because the more voices we have,
the stronger our collective impact will be.

Celebrating 20 Years of Assocompositi and the Launch of the
European Composites Circular Alliance (ECCA)

At the recent JEC Forum Italy 2025, held in the stunning Villa
Erba on Lake Como, Ilkay Özkisaoglu had the
privilege of speaking with Prof. Roberto Frassine—President of
both Assocompositi and The European
Composites Industry Association; EuCIA —about two major
milestones shaping the future of composites in Europe.

Assocompositi Turns 20

Founded in 2005, Assocompositi has grown from 20 founding members
to over 80 today, becoming the authoritative voice of Italy’s
composites industry. Over two decades, the association has
championed innovation, sustainability, and international
collaboration. It offers technical and regulatory support, market
studies, green certifications, and training programs.
Assocompositi has also played a pivotal role in promoting
circular economy solutions and end-of-life strategies for
composites [1].

Introducing the European Composites Circular Alliance
(ECCA)
Launched by EuCIA in partnership with JEC, the ECCA is a bold new
initiative to build circular and competitive value chains for
composites across Europe. Inspired by the Circular Plastics
Alliance, ECCA aims to:

-Promote design for recycling
-Improve waste collection and sorting
-Boost recycled content in new products
-Guide R&D and investment
-Establish a monitoring system for recycled volumes

Prof. Roberto Frassine emphasized the importance
of aligning with the European Commission’s dual
focus on sustainability and competitiveness. With DG GROW as a
key partner, the Commission has joined ECCA as an observer,
ensuring strategic alignment with EU policy goals.

️ “We want to prove that composites are not only recyclable in
theory—but recycled in practice,” said Frassine. “ECCA is open to
all stakeholders. Just sign the declaration—no fees, just
commitment.”

What’s Next? Join the Movement

The ECCA is actively forming working groups, and participation is
open to all interested parties. As Prof. Frassine put it, “Be
part of the next big thing in the composites industry.”

Save the Dates: JEC Forum Expands in 2025

Krakow, Poland (JEC Forum Central Europe): September 2025
Dresden, Germany (JEC Forum DACH): October 21–22, 2025 [3]

Both forums offer tailored business matchmaking between buyers
and suppliers. Applications are still open for seller booths and
buyer participation—a unique opportunity to connect with the
composites community in Central and Eastern Europe and the DACH
region.

Get involved. Shape the future.

Whether you're a manufacturer, policymaker, or innovator—now is
the time to engage with ECCA and the JEC Forum network.