Joost van den Berg, Managing Director of CompositesNL, presents the association for the Dutch composites industry and its activities for members and stakeholders. Joost also serves as a Board Member of EuCIA.
What is CompositesNL ?
CompositesNL is the association for the Dutch composites industry. With over 120 members, we represent the majority of the Dutch composites sector across the entire value chain. Our members are involved in the development, manufacturing, maintenance, and reuse of products where composites technology plays a role.
CompositesNL aims to promote the use of composite products, increase their application, and improve their acceptance. In addition, gathering, sharing, and developing knowledge is a central theme within the association.
CompositesNL has a relatively small executive team and an engaged board consisting of eight prominent representatives from the Dutch composites industry.
A General Members meeting at Damen Naval in Vlissingen
with the members of CompositesNL.
The Netherlands is the second largest exporting country in the European Union (after Germany). Trade has always been an integral part of the Dutch economy’s pioneering spirit, applying to both small innovative initiatives and large OEMs. In today’s complex society and turbulent world economy, the strategy of the Dutch government is to create a more robust ecosystem, less dependent on overseas countries. This is where the composites sector fits in seamlessly as it is earmarked as a key enabling industry by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Therefore, CompositesNL has governmental support, which increases the relevance of the industry.
What is CompositesNL’s strategy ?
CompositesNL serves the composites industry and our members by promoting their interests and strengthening their position. Easier said than done, as our members are active in a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, space, maritime, construction and infrastructure, energy, and more. However, this diversity has proven to be a key advantage. The strength of our association lies in this diversity of applications within our ecosystem. The material is the common denominator, while differences in design and production processes serve as valuable sources of mutual benefits.
However, simply disseminating market information is not enough. We enhance the value of market intelligence for our members and stakeholders, including government, education, and investors. Composites are crucial for lighter designs and intelligent material use. We promote these benefits to a broad audience during trade shows, international missions, and (local) government agencies.
Dutch participants at the NL Pavilion at JEC World 2024 in Paris.
What are your initiatives related to sustainability?
The Netherlands boasts an advanced recycling industry, driven by its dense population, stringent government regulations, and strong social awareness. There are many companies specialising in waste management, including collecting, sorting, and re-use. Initially focused on paper and pulp, on domestic plastics, the recycling industry in the Netherlands has matured and become well organised. This industry is also engaged in recycling composite end-of-life products. The Netherlands had the opportunity to play a significant role in the development of ECIA’s Eco Impact Calculator tool.
Recycling composite materials presents unique challenges, but the volumes are significant and the potential value justifies the business case. In the Netherlands, several initiatives are in progress, some supported by the Dutch Growth Fund and all backed by CompositesNL. We plan to launch our own ‘Platform Duurzaamheid’ to support our members in developing their circular strategies. The platform is built on three pillars:
- definitions (clarifying what we are talking about);
- regulations (both national and European); and
- case studies (to share practical examples).
How does being a member of EuCIA assist you in your work?
Typically, it’s a numbers game and being part of EuCIA brings the advantage of scale. CompositesNL has 120 members while the total number of companies represented by all the national associations is 10,000. This combined expertise exceeds that of our national efforts, thus providing added value for our member companies.
Focusing on sustainability is crucial, as the misconception that composites are not recyclable needs to be addressed at a European level. Recent publications on this topic will increase the awareness and adaptation of composite materials in relation to the more traditional ones.
Where do you see CompositesNL in 10 years from now?
Our “raison d’être” is to ensure our relevance for the composites industry. The world needs intelligent material use, lightweight solutions, and sustainability to tackle the current challenges we face. The use of composites can solve many of these issues.
Over the past four years, our industry association has grown by 33%, now representing approximately 66% of the composites market. We aim to cover 85% in the coming years and, more importantly, seek to achieve a 10% annual increase in the use of composites. Raising awareness about designing lightness will positively impact material usage and reduce the reliance on rare earth elements. Effective communication is essential, and we are committed to improving the level of education. Developing economically viable recycling solutions is part of our sustainability strategy but not a mission in itself. It is as fundamental as breathing; without it, we cannot survive. However, using the natural advantages of composites will lead to a more prosperous society.
Further information: www.compositesnl.nl
Joost A. van den Berg is a seasoned entrepreneur experienced in lightweight materials. As Managing Director of CompositesNL, he has professionalised the association and represents the composites consortium in the Dutch National Growth Fund programme. Outside of his professional endeavours, Joost is a passionate sailor, enjoying classic yachts and the Dragon and Finn classes
Joost A. van den Berg
