EuCIA has collaborated with Epoxy Europe, UP/VE Resin Association and Glass Fibre Europe to produce a 2-page explainer exploring the strategic role of composite materials in Europe and the challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the industry’s competitiveness.
Composite materials are crucial for Europe’s green and digital transitions, supporting strategic sectors such as construction, transport, aerospace, defence, renewable energy and electronics. Thanks to their durability and advanced properties, they are a resilient industrial asset that promotes energy efficiency and technological innovation.
A competitive and reliable European composites supply chain can create jobs, encourage innovation and promote strategic autonomy. The EU composite market is currently valued at 2.5 million tonnes and employs around 200,000 people. However, Europe’s position continues to be challenged by global competition and regulatory pressures.
The document presents seven challenges that need to be addressed now:
A level playing field for EU manufacturers is essential. The composite supply chain is facing increasing pressure from unfair trade practices and market distortions that harm the industry. The EU must effectively tackle these issues by using its trade defence instruments (TDIs).
Customs controls need to be strengthened to ensure that the import of materials that fail to meet EU regulatory requirements – particularly those related to REACH regulation, sustainability, safety and social standards do not enter the single market. Without effective enforcement, EU producers face unfair disadvantages due to higher compliance costs compared to non-EU regions.
The circularity and recyclability of composites must be fully recognised in end-of-life legislation (e.g. the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation). Supportive measures include facilitation of trans-border shipment of composites wastes within the EU, support for scaling up recycling technologies, market incentives for recycled content from EU-sourced secondary materials and equivalent feedstock from trusted trade partners, legal clarity on chemical recycling, the adoption of the mass balance approach, and recognition of cement co-processing as open-loop recycling.
Addressing high energy costs is also a critical priority. EU industry urgently needs access to abundant and affordable low-carbon energy sources such as renewable electricity, green hydrogen, and decarbonised fuels. Massive investment is needed to modernise and expand energy grids and infrastructure across Europe.
The ongoing EU ETS reform must offer predictable and robust carbon leakage protection for energy-intensive sectors exposed to international competition.
The market uptake of European-made low-carbon products should be supported with the consideration of measures such as an ‘EU origin’ certification for different steps in the value chain, and policies that favour local content e.g. in public procurement and in sectors critical for EU strategic autonomy.
Chemical regulation must be proportionate, and outcome focused. Regulatory approaches should focus on delivering the intended results – environmental and health protection – without creating unnecessary complexity that stifles innovation or hinders sustainable industrial development.
Download the full document A composite supply for Europe.
