Didier Muller introduces the activities of the French association Polyvia and its mission to shape the future of the composites industry through sustainability and innovation.
Who are Polyvia’s members?
Polyvia is the professional organisation representing the plastics and composites industry in France. Our membership spans over 1,400 companies, from small- and medium-sized enterprises to larger corporations.
These companies operate across a wide array of sectors, including packaging, automotive, construction, medical devices, and more. We serve as their collective voice, advocating for their interests at national and European levels while providing them with the resources and services necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Polyvia represents companies operating across a wide array of sectors, including automotive, construction, and more.
What is your strategy?
Our strategy focuses on three pillars:
Representation and Advocacy: Defending the interests of the plastics and composites sector, ensuring that our voice is heard in policy discussions at all levels of governance.
Innovation and Sustainability: Supporting our members in adopting circular economy practices, investing in eco-design, and transitioning towards more sustainable solutions.
Skills Development: Through initiatives like Polyvia Solutions and ISPA, we provide continuous training and initial education to ensure our workforce remains skilled and future-ready.
Polyvia exhibits at the JEC World composites show.
What are your key initiatives related to sustainability?
Sustainability is central to our mission. Key initiatives include:
Promoting a circular economy: Supporting the use of recycled and recyclable plastics and composites and encouraging eco-design across the industry. Among other actions, Polyvia coordinates the Strategic Committee of the Composites branch, which aims to coordinate R&I projects and initiatives on composite recycling.
Combating plastic pollution: Highlighting and recognising best practices through initiatives like the RSE trophies.
Collaborative research: Partnering with stakeholders to develop innovative materials and processes that minimise environmental impact.
Educational outreach: Raising awareness of plastics and composites’ essential role and advocating for their responsible use.
Polyvia supports the development of innovative materials that minimise environmental impact.
How does being a member of EuCIA assist you in your work?
EuCIA provides invaluable support by enabling us to collaborate with European partners and remain aligned with EU regulations and sustainability goals. Membership allows us to leverage a network of experts, share best practices, and strengthen our advocacy at the European level, ensuring that the unique challenges and opportunities of the plastics and composites sector are well represented.
Where do you see your association in 10 years from now?
In 10 years, Polyvia aspires to be a leader in driving the transformation of the plastics and composites industry toward sustainability and innovation. We aim to establish the sector as a benchmark for circular economy practices, where materials are reused, recycled, and optimised to reduce waste and environmental impact. Our focus will be on fostering a highly skilled and adaptive workforce, equipped to meet the challenges of an evolving industry, and driving innovation that accelerates the decarbonisation of European industries.
Our role will be to continue advocating for fair and science-based policies while providing the tools and knowledge our members need to adapt and thrive.
Further information: www.polyvia.fr
Didier Muller gained his bachelor degree in Materials Sciences & Engineering followed by a PhD in the field of polymers and textiles at the University of Lyon (France).
His professional activities have involved technical positions focused on composites and polymers: R&D on glass fibre at Owens Corning Vétrotex, business development for composites manufacturers or R&D manager.
Today, he is today Materials Manager for the Clayens Group. He also represents Polyvia as a EuCIA board member and is president of the scientific committee of the French cluster dedicated to polymers Polymeris.
