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In this exclusive first episode of our Diamond Aircraft series, recorded in Wiener Neustadt, we meet Jane Wang, Sales & Marketing Director and Flight Operations Director at Diamond Aircraft Industries. Together, we dive into the world of efficient composite aircraft, modern flight training, business aviation, and the company’s growing global footprint.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• Introduction to Diamond Aircraft’s portfolio: DA40, DA42, DA50, and the flagship DA62

• Composite fuselage & carbon fiber manufacturing advantages

• Why training aircraft represent over half of Diamond’s deliveries

• Jet fuel efficiency, cost benefits & Austro Engine technology

• DA62 as a “flying luxury SUV” for private owners, charter operators, and corporate missions

• Business aviation use cases: air taxi, executive transport, offshore missions, aero survey & law enforcement

• Cabin experience: how executives can work, call, collaborate, and travel efficiently

• 10 years DA62 anniversary and expanding global market presence

 

️ DA62 – The Star of This Episode

The newly built DA62 featured in this video will be showcased at AERO Friedrichshafen 2026, configured with two business class seats in the second row, powered by twin Austro Engines AE330 (180 HP each), and built entirely from advanced composite materials.

Its key advantages:

• Highest efficiency & lowest fuel burn in its class

• Short runway capability, including grass strips

• Up to seven seats, ideal for small corporate teams

• Multi mission flexibility (private, charter, special missions)

 

AERO 2026 – What to Expect (April 22–25, 2026)

AERO Friedrichshafen is the leading global show for General Aviation, featuring 756+ exhibitors from 38+ countries and over 32,000 visitors.

Expect 12 exhibition halls filled with gliders, ultralights, piston aircraft, helicopters and a strong Business Aviation presence. [aero-expo.com]

Major 2026 Highlights

• Record exhibitor numbers across general and business aviation

• A significantly expanded Business Aviation Dome and presence in Hall A1, showing the sector’s strong momentum

• The AERO Hydrogen & Battery Summit (21–22 April 2026) focusing on hydrogen, batteries, charging, control systems & future flight infrastructure

• AERO 2026’s central theme: innovation & sustainability, with a dedicated Innovation Area in Hall A7 highlighting alternative propulsion, electric flight and new engine concepts

• International reach expanding into China, South Africa, the Middle East, with high growth markets identified in Brazil and India [aero-expo.com], [messen.de] [youtube.com] [aero-expo.com] [pilotweb.aero]

️ Aircraft on Display

From drones to business jets, ultralights, gyrocopters, turboprops and piston engine travel aircraft — AERO showcases the full spectrum of modern aviation. [bodensee-airport.eu]

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Composites360onTour and Composites Lounge Engineering Talks bring you insights from Europe’s aviation and composites ecosystems — every week on LinkedIn, YouTube and major podcast platforms. We dive into sustainable materials, innovative manufacturing, and the technologies shaping the future of flight.

Join the Conversation

How do you see the role of efficient composite twin engine aircraft like the DA62 in the future of business aviation?

Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for another Part with Norbert Werle, where we explore Composites and the DA62 even deeper.

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YouTube Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jymzB6BETB0

At JEC World 2026, the global leading trade fair for composites, Composites360onTour stopped at the booth of KARL MAYER to discuss recent developments in composite reinforcement technologies with a clear focus on pultrusion and multi axial textiles.

This episode is hosted by Ilkay Özkisaoglu, Co Founder of Composites Lounge, who leads the conversation as part of Composites Lounge’s ongoing Composites360onTour interview format. The discussion features Hagen Lotzmann, President & Managing Director, Business Unit Technical Textiles at KARL MAYER, and Jürgen Tröltzsch, Product Specialist Composites at KARL MAYER.

The interview provides a focused technical update on KARL MAYER’s multi axial non crimp fabric (NCF) solutions and their integration into pultrusion processes—a topic of increasing relevance for structural composite applications requiring more than pure unidirectional reinforcement.

Traditionally, pultrusion relies on unidirectional rovings optimized primarily for axial load and bending stiffness. As discussed in this episode, KARL MAYER is addressing the growing demand for multi directional fiber architectures by enabling the use of multi axial knitted fabrics inside pultrusion molds. These structures allow fiber orientations such as 0°, 90°, ±45°, or even ±60°, enabling engineers to better manage torsional loads and complex stress states while maintaining continuous production.

The conversation highlights the advantages of knitted multi axial fabrics compared to woven reinforcements, including improved fiber fixation, reduced crimp, and higher flexibility in layer orientation. KARL MAYER’s multi axial technologies allow large width fabrics to be produced efficiently and subsequently slit into narrow strips suitable for pultrusion, down to widths of less than 10 cm.

The interview also clarifies the dominant role of thermoset resin systems in pultrusion, driven by the need for high mechanical performance, stiffness, and reliable fiber impregnation. Application examples discussed include railway and transportation systems, particularly underfloor components in metro trains, where lightweight design, structural integrity, and fire protection requirements converge.

Beyond the showcased pultrusion application, the discussion expands to KARL MAYER’s broader multi axial machine business, including strong demand for glass fiber based solutions in mass markets such as the wind energy sector. Growth in regions like China and India is addressed, alongside expectations for renewed investment in Europe.

The episode concludes with KARL MAYER’s positioning not only as a supplier of high volume machinery, but also as a partner for customized solutions and niche composite applications, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to both standardized and application specific textile engineering.

This podcast episode is particularly relevant for:

• Composite engineers and material developers

• Pultrusion and structural composites specialists

• Professionals in transportation, wind energy, and infrastructure sectors

• Decision makers evaluating textile reinforcement strategies

Recorded at JEC World 2026

️ Composites360onTour by Composites Lounge

 

Keywords / Tags:

KARL MAYER, JEC World 2026, Composites360onTour, Pultrusion, Multi Axial Fabrics, Non Crimp Fabrics, Technical Textiles, Composite Reinforcement, Glass Fiber, Carbon Fiber, Transportation Composites, Wind Energy Composites, Textile Engineering

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YouTube Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxN7zOvRlB0

️ CLEAR FOR TAKEOFF — AERO 2026 WARM‑UP

I’ll say it straight from the cockpit:

If AERO Friedrichshafen 2026 is on your radar, this LinkedIn Live is your pre‑flight briefing — and skipping it would be like taxiing without a checklist.

I’m hosting a no‑slides, no‑marketing‑fluff warm‑up livestream with two people who genuinely live aviation:

Tobias Bretzel, Show Director of AERO — a walking afterburner.

The kind of leader who doesn’t just manage a trade show but energizes an entire ecosystem. Tobias brings unbelievable momentum, sharp insights, and a contagious joy for aviation that turns planning into lift‑off. When he talks AERO, you feel the runway accelerating.

️ Norbert Werle, Managing Director of Air2E & Founder of JET-Circle — pure operational freedom.

Pilot mindset, community builder, creator, and service provider rolled into one.

Norbert represents the end‑user reality of General & Business Aviation: flexibility, access, and making aircraft actually work for people. If someone knows how aviation is used (not just discussed), it’s him.

And me?

I’m bringing the engineering lens — composites, advanced materials, certification reality, and why General Aviation is still the fastest testbed we have for what will later scale into aerospace and mobility.

Hashtag

#Composites360OnTour style: practical, honest, and close to the metal.

What this Live is (and what it’s not):

• Not a press release

• Not a sales pitch

• Not a panel where everyone agrees

This is Techtainment:

Real talk about AERO 2026, the Business Aviation Show Hub, the aircraft, the energy, the people you must meet — and how engineering, operations, and community finally click together.

We’ll talk what’s flying, what’s scaling, what’s worth your time, and why AERO is becoming the place where theory gets its pilot license.

Expect pilot jokes, engineering honesty, and the kind of insights you usually only get after day two at the bar — minus the jet lag.

Pro tip:

Strap in.

Run the checklist.

We’re going wheels‑up soon.

Hashtag

#AERO2026 

Hashtag

#BusinessAviation 

Hashtag

#GeneralAviation 

Hashtag

#Techtainment 

Hashtag

#Composites 

Hashtag

#JETCircle 

Hashtag

#AviationCommunity 

Hashtag

#LinkedInLive 

Hashtag

#PreFlightBriefing

(Fotos are private and a mount)

YouTube Version: https://youtube.com/live/5qU435c0GW4?feature=share

TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER (TIC) by KARL MAYER — The Place to Be During Techtextil 2026!

Dear LinkedIn Composites community,

after filming an exclusive video interview with Hagen Lotzmann and Jürgen Tröltzsch at Composite Technologies – KARL MAYER during JEC World 2026 I can confirm one thing:

The TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER (TIC) is about to become the global hotspot for textile innovation — and you REALLY don’t want to miss its Grand Opening.

From 21–24 April 2026, parallel to Techtextil, KARL MAYER will open the doors of its brand-new 6,000 m² innovation hub in Obertshausen — just 20 minutes from Frankfurt.

Here, the entire textile world comes together: warp knitting, technical textiles, warp preparation, fashion, composites, footwear, home textiles — and next-gen technical applications.

Why you must be there (or risk falling behind):

1. See full-scale machines in live operation

Not lab demos — real industrial machines, including advanced warp knitting, weft insertion, fibre spreading systems, lightweight UD tape production and more.

2. From idea prototype near-series production

The TIC lets you test materials, simulate processes and validate concepts before scaling — cutting development time and reducing risk.

️ 3. Access to 40 years of textile archives

The InspirationHub gives you access to an extraordinary archive of patterns, fabrics and structures — a treasure trove for new ideas and market-ready solutions.

4. Get guided Innovation Tours

Experience market-driven textile trends, new applications in defense, workwear, sports, filtration, composites and more.

5. Talk directly to the experts

Machine specialists, textile developers, application engineers — all ready to engage with your challenges and projects.

6. Exclusive Shuttle Service every 30 minutes

Seamlessly commute between TIC and Techtextil. I’ll use it myself — you should, too!

Grand Opening Ceremony — 23 April

Ceremonial ribbon cutting, CEO keynote, food, networking and an evening event until 21:00.

This is where the industry meets — and where partnerships for tomorrow are born.

I’ll be there on April 21 for the opening day.

If you’re attending, drop me a message — let’s meet at Obertshausen or at Karl Mayer's booth at Techtextil (Hall 12.0 / B079).

See you where the future of textiles begins!

Join Ilkay Özkisaoglu on #Composites360onTour for an exclusive 25‑minute conversation with Éric Pierrejean, President & CEO of JEC Group, recorded at the Composites Lounge Corner (5H142) inside the JEC TV Studio during JEC World 2026 in Paris.

In this two‑part interview, Éric shares unique insights into the global reach of JEC World — from Asia to the Americas, from Europe to the Middle East — and explains how the event connects the entire composites value chain across continents.

We dive into:

The worldwide presence of composites at JEC World 

Emerging markets such as India, China, Türkiye, and the Middle East 

New OEMs, digitalisation, AI & material informatics 

️ Europe’s leadership in circularity and the vision behind the Circularity Village 

The creation of the monumental History of Composites book 

Why JEC World remains the global platform for innovation, networking, and industry growth

If you want to understand where the global composites industry is heading next — this conversation is essential.

Subscribe to Composites360onTour for weekly interviews on LinkedIn, YouTube & Podcasts. 

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#Composites360OnTour #JECWorld #IlkayÖzkisaoglu #JECWorld #CompositeIndustry

This episode follows Ilkay Özkisaoglu as he interviews key leaders at the Blue Innovation Dock during boot Düsseldorf 2026. He documents how the European Boating Industry, EuCIA and ECCA are advancing circular composites, scaling recycling technologies and shaping EU policy for sustainable boating. Through expert perspectives from Philip Easthill, Raphaël Pleynet, Julia Minici, Marina Palumbo Cardella and Guillaume Perben, listeners gain a clear view of how innovation, regulation and industry alliances are driving the transition toward a circular marine economy.

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YouTube Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-icSvRw7Vg

Drei Wochen vor der JEC World 2026 (10.–12. März, Paris Nord Villepinte) liefern wir der DACH Community einen kompakten, praxisnahen Orientierungs Guide:

Welche Pavillons & Formate sind relevant?

Welche Vorträge & Panels dürfen Sie nicht verpassen – etwa in der Luftfahrt, im Bauwesen oder bei Kreislauf Materialien?

Und wie priorisieren Sie Ihren Besuch, wenn die Hallen voll sind und die Zeit knapp ist?

JEC World gilt als Weltleitmesse der Composites mit einem erstklassigen Konferenzprogramm (Agoras, Open Stage, SAMPE Sessions, Innovation Awards, Startup Booster). Wir kuratieren für Sie die Höhepunkte – fokussiert auf die Bedürfnisse aus DACH. [jec-world.events]

 

Unsere Gäste & Themen

1) Éric Pierrejean, CEO – JEC Group

Der „Hausherr“ der JEC World gibt uns den Blick von oben: Programmlogik 2026, thematische Schwerpunkte (Circular Materials, Design & Simulation) und die Rolle der offenen Bühnen (Agoras, Open Stage). Außerdem: Wie lassen sich Trends vor Ort effizient scouten – und was plant JEC mit WebTV/JEC TV und Formaten für den schnellen Wissenstransfer?

2) Professor Dr.-Ing. Markus Milwich – DITF (Deutsche Institute für Textil  und Faserforschung Denkendorf)

Die DITF sind Europas größtes Textilforschungszentrum und decken die gesamte textile Wertschöpfungskette ab – von der Faserchemie bis zu Faserverbund Technologien. Markus Milwich ist u. a. Leiter Themenfeld Faserverbundtechnologie (Kompetenzzentrum Polymere & Faserverbunde) und seit 2024 Vertreter der „Geschäftsstelle Leichtbau Baden Württemberg“ (Leichtbau Allianz BW) – ein starker Brückenkopf zwischen Forschung, Industrie und Politik. Er ordnet für uns Bio Composites, Sensoriktextilien und Kreislauf Ansätze ein – und erklärt, welche DITF Use Cases man in Paris im Auge behalten sollte. [ditf.de]

3) AFBW – Allianz Faserbasierte Werkstoffe Baden Württemberg e. V.

Als eines der leistungsstärksten Netzwerke Europas bündelt die AFBW Kompetenzen entlang der faserbasierten Wertschöpfung – von Architektur & Bau über Mobilität bis Umwelttechnik – und treibt Innovation & Wissenstransfer voran (u. a. mit dem AFBW Kompetenzatlas). Wir sprechen darüber, welche BW Kompetenzen (Start ups, Mittelstand, Institute) im internationalen Kontext sichtbar werden und wie sich Besucher gezielt vernetzen. [afbw.eu]

4) THE LÄND – Baden Württemberg als Gemeinschaftsauftritt

Unter der Standortmarke THE LÄND macht Baden Württemberg Technologie  und Innovationsstärke international sichtbar. Wir beleuchten, wie das Land mit Partnern wie BW_i (Baden Württemberg International) Messeauftritte orchestriert und warum dieser Auftritt für DACH Akteure Reichweite & Zugang schafft. (Hinweis: „THE LÄND“ ist die offizielle Standortkampagne des Landes, eingesetzt u. a. für internationale Messen.) [thelaend.de]

5) Marc Fette – CEO CTC GmbH (An Airbus Company), Präsidium Composites United

Aus Stade meldet sich CTC – Composite Technology Center, die 100 % Airbus Tochter für industrielle Leichtbautechnologien. Marc Fette bringt den Aerospace Fokus mit – inkl. Einordnung zur Automatisierung von CFRP Prozessen, Qualifizierung Richtung Serie und Transfer in angrenzende Branchen. Zudem ordnet er aus CU Sicht (Präsidium; Vorsitz CU Nord) Netzwerke, Förderkulissen und die Panel Landschaft Luftfahrt bei der JEC ein.

6) Elmar Witten, AVK – Industrievereinigung Verstärkte Kunststoffe

Als Geschäftsführer bei der AVK bringt Elmar Witten frische Markt Insights mit – etwa zu SMC/BMC (Performance, Nachhaltigkeit, Wertbeitrag) und zu industriegetriebenen Recycling pfaden. Wir fragen: Welche Sessions lohnen sich speziell für Einkauf, Tech Management und Business Development?

 

Konferenz Navigation: So holen Sie das Maximum in Paris heraus

Die JEC Konferenzen 2026 setzen klare Schwerpunkte: Zirkuläre Materialien, Design & Simulation sowie Branchen Tracks zu Bauwesen, Luft  und Raumfahrt, Maritime. Ergänzt wird das Programm durch SAMPE Techniksessions (tiefe Technik, Verfahren, Fertigung), Innovation Awards, Startup Booster und Composites Exchange. Unser Live hilft Ihnen, Agenda Favoriten zu identifizieren – etwa Aerospace Panels oder Circularity Best Practices – und zeigt, wie Sie zwischen Agoras, Open Stage und Live Demos effizient wechseln.

Ein konkreter Tipp aus der Agenda: Das SMC/BMC Panel (Agora 5) hebt Designfreiheit, Nachhaltigkeit und Kosteneffizienz hervor – moderiert von Volker Mathes (AVK). Solche Sessions sind ideal, um Entscheidungskriterien für Serienanwendungen zu schärfen.

 

Warum Sie teilnehmen sollten

• Kuratierte Vorbereitung: Wir filtern Hunderte Programmpunkte auf DACH relevante Must Sees.

• Direkt aus erster Hand: Von JEC Leitung über Forschung (DITF) und Netzwerke (AFBW, CU) bis Industrie (CTC, AVK) – kompakt in 90 Minuten.

• Techtainment statt Flurfunk: Unterhaltsam, fundiert, mit klaren To‑Dos für Ihren Messeplan.

YouTube Episode: https://www.youtube.com/live/Z_8KZuD0A7U

ANNOUNCEMENT: Get Ready for the JEC WORLD 2026 Warm-Up – Techtainment Begins! Imagine this:

I’m packing my virtual bags, polishing the digital microphones, and rolling out the virtual carpet — because next week we go LIVE to warm you up for the biggest composites event on the planet.

Some call JEC World 2026 the “Christmas of Composites.”

Others call it the “pilgrimage” — that one magical trip you absolutely must make to stay ahead of the curve.

And if you’ve ever walked the long central pathway of the Villepinte fairgrounds — yes, that’s right — the so‑called “Champs-Élysées of JEC World”…

Well, that’s exactly where Chris Skinner will be roaming, reporting straight from the action!

But before you all get lost on the Champs‑Élysées of carbon fiber, resin, tooling, sustainability zones, and live demos…

We’re giving you your very own navigation system.

Our Special Guest: Eric Pierrejean, CEO of JEC Group

This year, we kick things off with the person who quite literally hosts the entire global family of composite materials:

Éric Pierrejean, the CEO of JEC Group and the mind behind this mega show.

He’s joining me live to answer the big questions:

What’s new?

What’s not to be missed?

What’s the big theme behind 2026?

Because we want you to arrive at the show prepared, energized, and knowing exactly where to go first.

And hey — even Composites Lounge has its own corner in the newly-released JEC TV Studio. (Yes… we’re leveling up thanks to our partner JEC!)

Your Pre‑Show Compass

This warm-up session will help you:

Understand the big-picture highlights

Navigate the countless exhibitors and stages. Astrid Lang, Bayern Innovativ GmbH / Bayern International, Malcolm Forsyth of Composites UK - Trade Association, Roberto Frassine, President of The European Composites Industry Association; EuCIA & Assocompositi, Vincent Fawcett of PRF Composite Materials and Alexander Houben, CEO of JHT Jakobs-Houben Technologie GmbH will help you do this.

Identify which technologies, companies, and sessions matter for YOU

Choose where to invest your time on the show floor

Arrive at JEC World like a pro — not a tourist wandering the Villepinte Champs‑Élysées with sore feet

But Wait… There’s More!

This is just the English edition.

On Thursday, 26 Feb. we return with a German-language session:

Éric Pierrejean (again!)

Marc Fette — wearing two hats:

CEO of Composite Technology Center / CTC GmbH (An Airbus Company) &

President Composites United

Markus Milwich of DITF representing THE LÄND

And Elmar Witten from AVK

It’s going to be fire.

YouTube Episode: https://youtube.com/live/RFre0UDl67s?feature=share

Today I’m excited to release one of the most anticipated episodes of our 

#Composites360onTour series—our full 23‑minute deep‑dive with moi composites, recorded live at Formnext - Where ideas take shape 2025 Frankfurt/Main (Germany)

This is not just another technology walkthrough.

This is the story of a young, ambitious European deep‑tech team bringing real industrial capability into the market: a 10‑ton Hybrid Fabrication Platform (HFP) built for short‑fiber thermoset deposition and integrated milling, and a Continuous Fiber Manufacturing (CFM) process that pushes composite performance far beyond conventional AM boundaries.

In this episode, you’ll meet

Gabriele Natale (CEO),

Tommaso Geri (CTO), and

Vittoria Geri (CFO),

whose perspectives—technical, strategic, and financial—paint an honest picture of what it takes to scale a composites startup in Europe today. From TRLs and full‑stack product strategy to the hidden operational traps that appear during growth, this conversation captures the real startup reality behind their fast‑moving technology.

On a personal note, I want to acknowledge something meaningful:

I had the honour of coaching Moi Composites in my capacity as an Innovation Coach appointed by the European Commission within Horizon Europe in the context of the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) Accelarator programme. Coaching always happens in a protected and confidential environment, but seeing their work now take the stage publicly—here at Formnext and soon again at Belotti SpA’s Booth G61, Hall 6 at JEC World 2026—is a proud moment.

To the entire Moi team: I wish you continued growth, bold execution, and all the flourishing success you deserve. Europe needs companies like yours—visionary in engineering, courageous in entrepreneurship, and committed to building real industrial capability.

Now enjoy the full interview (in the cover video 1, in the body video 2) in total 23 minutes of technology, strategy, and pure engineering spirit.

YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/1F2BlXRd8HE

Circularity is not a buzzword—and Malcolm Forsyth proves why.

Right after the European Circular Composites Alliance General Assembly in Brussels, I sat down with Malcolm Forsyth, Sustainability Manager at Composites UK - Trade Association, to talk about what really matters now: end of service versus end of life, circularity at industrial scale, and why technology is no longer the main bottleneck—economics and design decisions are.

This is an engineering conversation, not a marketing one.

We discuss decarbonisation, recycling routes, automotive scale‑up challenges, and why European collaboration through ECCA and The European Composites Industry Association; EuCIA is essential if composites are to become truly circular.

Just two weeks ago, we launched the very first 

Hashtag

#Composites360onTour newsletter with Julia Minici of Afterwind—and more than 4,000 of you subscribed. That response showed me how strong the appetite is for deep, technically grounded content like this.

So here we go again.

This edition follows the same format:

Part 1 as native video in the cover, Part 2 embedded in the newsletter body.

The full episode is available on YouTube, with an audio podcast release coming shortly—just search Composites Lounge on your favourite app.

You can also meet Malcolm in person at JEC World 2026 at the UK Pavilion organised by Composites UK Trade Association, Hall 6, Stands S62 and T62, and in the Circularity Forum session he will moderate on Wednesday, March 11th.

Read the new 

#Composites360onTour newsletter and watch the interviews embedded.

Subscribe to this newsletter format if you want first‑hand access to the people shaping the future of composites, advanced materials and engineering in Europe.

Thank you to JEC and EUCIA for their relentless support in helping composites become what they truly deserve to be.

YouTube Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akW8wMbV7Ec&feature=youtu.be

Big news from Composites Lounge.

As JEC World 2026 approaches and booth decisions enter their final stretch, many companies are facing the same question:

How do we still show up effectively in Paris without the cost, stress, and heavy logistics of a traditional booth?

Together with our Premium Partner International Composites Summit (ICS), delivered by The Fluency Business Group, we will host a special Live event to introduce a smart, turnkey solution for exhibitors who need a fast and powerful way to be present at the world’s leading composites show.

Topic:

Exhibit Smart at JEC World 2026 — Inside the ICS Innovation Hub Pods

The ICS Innovation Hubs are designed for innovators, SMEs, scale-ups, and global players who want visibility and lead generation without the operational burden of a full stand.

Each exhibitor receives a branded pod, integrated PR, pre‑event marketing, prime floor placement, on‑site support, furniture, lighting, power — a complete turnkey set‑up.

This agile model is now coming for the first time to France, right onto the show floor of JEC World 2026.

And who better to join this Live event than the team behind the concept:

Gemma Hardy — Managing Director, The Fluency Business Group

Katie Homes — Marketing Director, The Fluency Business Group

Colin Leatham-Locke — Director of Sales, The Fluency Business Group

Together, they will share how the Innovation Hub pods help companies:

• Save time, money, and planning effort

• Reduce the risk of last‑minute exhibiting

• Stay visible even while attending conferences and meetings

• Capture leads thanks to on‑site Fluency support

• Enter JEC World 2026 without the need for complex stand builds

Useful links for context:

ICS Innovation Hubs https://lnkd.in/dQCuv4Z5

International Composites Summit (ICS) https://lnkd.in/eQpxyjTX

The Fluency Business Group https://fluency-group.com/

JEC World 2026 https://lnkd.in/d6pe5sr

Composites Lounge https://lnkd.in/dkPpr-pd

This Live event is ideal for:

Companies still deciding how to participate at JEC World 2026

Innovators with small teams

R\&D-heavy organisations

Startups and scale-ups entering new markets

Exhibitors who want visibility without complexity

If JEC World 2026 matters to your strategy, you won’t want to miss this.

YouTube Episode: https://youtube.com/live/nzO2sVorGoY?feature=share

How do we move from pilot projects to true circularity in composites — at industrial scale?

In this full #Composites360onTour interview, Ilkay Özkisaoglu speaks with Julia Minici, 

Co‑Founder & Chairperson of Afterwind, directly after the first General Assembly of the European Circular Composites Alliance (ECCA) in Brussels, organised by EuCIA.

Afterwind is tackling one of the biggest sustainability challenges in advanced materials: 

*what happens to composite products at the end of their life — especially wind turbine blades?

Julia explains Afterwind’s approach to true recycling of glass‑fibre composites, why consistent quality at scale is the missing link for circularity, and how recycling solutions developed for wind can be transferred to construction, automotive and boating.

Topics covered in this interview:

• What “true recycling” really means — beyond landfill and incineration 

• Mechanical vs. chemical recycling and current technology readiness levels

• Why scaling secondary raw materials is essential for manufacturers 

• The real challenges of recycling 66‑metre wind turbine blades 

• How Afterwind builds stable, cross‑industry feedstock streams 

• Why the boating industry is a critical next frontier — and why it’s complex 

• Julia’s role as Chair of two ECCA Working Groups (Industrial & Recreational, Construction) 

• Why ECCA is not just an initiative — but a movement for European industry 

• From collaboration to responsibility: how circularity actually gets implemented

About the context

This conversation was recorded during the **European Circular Composites Alliance (ECCA) General Assembly in Brussels — a milestone event bringing together industry, policymakers and innovators to shape a circular future for composite materials in Europe.

Composites Lounge is a proud supporter of the ECCA movement, and this interview is part of our ongoing effort to highlight people who turn **vision into industrial action**.

YouTube Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJq-16E8Je0

The International Composites Summit (ICS) enters a new era – and the industry is watching.

In an exclusive conversation, Ilkay Özkisaoglu sat down with Gemma Hardy, Managing Director of The Fluency Business Group and the driving force behind ICS, to discuss what makes the 5th edition of ICS (2–3 December 2025 at The Drum Wembley) a strategic turning point for the global composites community.

“ICS came straight out of Covid in 2021,” Hardy recalls. “We’re now moving to Wembley for our fifth edition – a bold step that reflects our ambition to create a truly international platform.”

Hardy emphasizes that ICS is leaner, more agile, and laser-focused on industry needs:

“We’ve moved away from big stands. This year, it’s all about equality and interaction – curated pods, high-level content, and networking that matters.”

What’s on the Programme?

More: https://lnkd.in/dHPWZJQa

The ICS Conference Forum is the intellectual heart of the summit, tackling critical challenges and opportunities across the composites value chain. Expect strategic presentations, provocative panels, and global voices, including:

Chris Skinner (Owens Corning Composites) – Strategic Marketing & R\&D insights

Ginger Gardiner (CompositesWorld) – Chairing a fiery sustainability debate

Marcy Offner – Industry legend on communication and growth

NEOM – Visionary perspectives on The Line and future construction in Saudi Arabia

And yes, automation and AI take center stage:

Ilkay Özkisaoglu will chair the panel “Are We Automating People Out of Composites – or Not?”

This discussion promises to be one of the most polarizing sessions of ICS 2025, exploring how digitalization and machine learning are reshaping skills, processes, and the human role in manufacturing.

Why ICS Matters

Hardy is clear: “The UK has a significant part of the global supply chain. ICS is about putting the UK on the map while connecting international OEMs, Tier 1s, and innovators. It’s a hub for collaboration and growth.”

The venue, The Drum at Wembley, offers world-class facilities and festive vibes:

“Imagine discussing composites under glass ceilings with Christmas lights outside Wembley Stadium,” Hardy says. “It’s going to be magical.”

Don’t Miss the Networking Evening

On 2 December, join the ICS Networking Event at The White Horse, Wembley – just steps from the summit venue.

Limited to 100 tickets, this relaxed evening includes a welcome drink and festive Christmas buffet – the perfect way to unwind and build connections before the year ends.

Secure your spot now

Final Call: Register for ICS 2025 and be part of the conversation shaping the future of composites.

Free entry for the summit | Register here https://lnkd.in/eYZSTiPB

Networking Dinner | Book your ticket https://lnkd.in/eftymWec

YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/bhdGXsR1qtg

Engineering meets sustainability at METSTRADE: Lessons from Gurit’s bio‑based epoxy journey

At Metstrade on RAI Amsterdam—the world’s leading B2B hub for the leisure marine sector—Composites Lounge sat down with Philip Aikenhead (Head of Sales EMEA, Gurit) to explore what “sustainable resin solutions” actually means when boats must survive UV, salt, shock loads and repairs over decades. The takeaway: sustainability is moving from pilot talk to disciplined engineering practice.

Philip was also a panelist on the JEC Panel on innovation at Metstrade hosted by Éric Pierrejean, CEO of JEC and you can listen to the podcast on our Youtube playlist (Link in the Comment) and soon an any podcast app.

What changed?

Formulation first, slogans second.

Gurit has reformulated key epoxy portfolios (Prime infusion, Ampreg laminating) so that bio‑content is now standard—while retaining marine-class certifications and processing windows that builders already trust. In parallel, Gurit emphasizes low-toxicity chemistry (CMR- and SVHC-free hardeners) and recycled PET cores, tying material choices to LCA-backed CO₂ reduction rather than anecdotes.

Reality checks that matter to engineers

Application fit: Bio‑based epoxies are thermosets—great for high-end and semi‑structural parts, auxiliaries (hardtops, passerelles) and repairs; they drop into existing vacuum infusion and wet‑lam processes without exotic tooling.

Environmental durability: Gurit validates against UV and saltwater aging, aligning with service-life realities rather than lab-only claims.

Fire: IMO compliance remains a system-level problem; think liners/barriers and careful additive strategies—not silver bullets baked into every resin.

Why this matters now

Marine programs are increasingly measured on embodied carbon and operator safety—without sacrificing weight, cure control, or classification. Gurit’s approach—incremental CO₂ cuts at industrial scale—is exactly how complex fleets transition: pragmatic chemistry, compatible processes, auditable data.

This week at boot Düsseldorf: Composites Lounge will be on site to cover the composites agenda led by European Boating Industry (EBI) at the Blue Innovation Dock on 22 January 2026.

Engineers—what questions should we ask on bio‑based epoxies, cores, and recyclability?

Drop them in the comments, and follow for real‑time insights.

See you at JEC World 2026: Composites Lounge will also visit Gurit to track how the bio‑based and low‑toxicity roadmap evolves into new marine‑grade solutions. Let us know if you want a materials deep‑dive or booth‑side walkthrough.

YouTube Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tho5TYvB8j4