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Source | Vesper Francis

As we close out an eventful 2024, the CW editorial team is reflecting on a year filled with advancements and renewed focus within the composites industry, whether that was the growing use of thermoplastics in aerospace, continued ramp-up of AAM, composites recycling innovations and implementation of sustainable practices across supply chains, and ongoing hydrogen storage development.

JEC World 2024 in Paris, an international platform for connecting the industry, was brimming with enthusiasm surrounding the Summer Olympics. A sense of community and collaboration was palpable on the show floor. The trade show emphasized the multifaceted role composites play in keeping us connected, from the transportation we take, to how we communicate day to day, and even the sports and recreational activities we play and enjoy.

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The sustainability theme loomed large at multiple industry events this year. CAMX 2024, for example, reminded us that while composites have long been synonymous with lightweighting and energy efficiency, today’s focus also includes responsible material sourcing, recycling and waste reduction — things that are quickly becoming essential strategies embedded within all manufacturing operations.

On a similar note, CW hosted an online Tech Days event in April covering the trends in composites sustainability, emphasizing how OEMs now expect comprehensive environmental responsibility from their supply chains. Speakers also explored practical pathways for the industry to achieve decarbonization goals, including bio-based materials and energy-saving processes. It’s clear that sustainability is a new, permanent part of industry conversation.

Many of these discussions continued at this year’s Carbon Fiber, which represented the growing use of carbon fiber in a range of sectors including wind energy and hydrogen, and provided insights into what may be in store regarding composites use in aerospace. The conference also offered a healthy discussion of global factors influencing carbon fiber supply and demand, with a particular focus on the ramifications of a surplus of carbon fiber from China entering various markets.

Another exciting industry trend is the continued growth of composite materials use in space applications. In November, a second CW Tech Days event on this topic explored the journey of composites from their foundational role in early space exploration to their current applications in private space missions. The use of composites in payload fairings, satellite structures and thermal protection systems, just to name a few examples, has paved the way for groundbreaking partnerships between commercial space companies, NASA and the ESA, illustrating how innovation continues to push boundaries.

As we move into 2025, CW is looking forward to even more exciting opportunities for the composites community. In March, JEC World 2025 will be celebrating its 60^th anniversary under the theme of “pushing the limits,” showcasing the limitless potential of composite materials. In this issue, we bring you an exclusive interview with Eric Pierrejean, CEO of JEC Group, where he shares insights on industry milestones and the importance of fostering connections and innovations.

Looking even further ahead, CW plans to host more of its own industry events. An April 2025 CW Tech Days will explore the intricate processes of bonding and welding composites, while a November installment will shine a light on the contributions of composites to electric vehicle advancements. Next year’s Carbon Fiber will take place in Wichita, Kansas, where we’ll partner with the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University to bring you insightful presentations, tours and demonstrations.

As we gear up for another dynamic year, CW remains committed to bringing you the news, technological developments and educational offerings that help inform industry and keep us connected. In the new year we plan to further expand our editorial coverage with international perspectives, in-depth company profiles and insights into the intersection of composites with the broader manufacturing sector.

The new year holds the promise of new challenges and greater opportunities, and we can’t wait to share it all with you. Here’s to an exciting year ahead!