ACMA’s first Composites Evolution event addresses technologies, policies and business strategies
Two-day program held in October connected composites manufacturing innovation, policy and performance to help companies future-proof their operations.
Source | ACMA
The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA, Arlington, Va., U.S.) hosted its first-ever Composites Evolution event Oct. 22–23, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. The 2-day program brought together more than 80 participants including innovators, manufacturers and suppliers from across the composites value chain to explore the technologies, policies and business strategies redefining the future of composites manufacturing.
From discussions on regulation and automation to strategies for tax optimization and operational efficiency, Composites Evolution delivered actionable insights and collaboration across the entire industry. Attendees heard from industry experts and tax professionals on how evolving regulations, market forces and clean technology incentives are reshaping how composites are produced, applied and valued.
“This event represented more than just an exchange of ideas, but a collective commitment to ensuring that composites remain at the forefront of sustainable, high-performance manufacturing,” says Cindy L. Squires Esq., president and CEO of ACMA. “By connecting innovation, policy and performance, we’re helping companies future-proof their operations and stay globally competitive.”
Following more than 2 years of dedicated advocacy by ACMA staff and members, recent Congressional legislation has opened new opportunities for composite manufacturers to leverage tax incentives, enhance sustainability and strengthen workforce retention. Composites Evolution provided participants with the knowledge and tools to take advantage of these developments immediately — whether through material innovation, process automation or compliance strategies.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in:
- Material and process innovation sessions showcasing next-gen composites and automation tools that improve sustainability, quality and speed.
- Policy and regulatory guidance discussions on how EPA’s evolving styrene rules will impact manufacturers — and how ACMA is advocating for science-based, business-friendly solutions.
- Hands-on learning and live demos featuring advanced technologies and local site tours that brought process improvements to life.
- Strategic networking that connected executives, engineers, suppliers and EH&S experts driving change across the industry.
Participants left this event with insight on reducing taxes and regulatory risk, improving throughput and product quality, and improving worker safety and retention.
ACMA extends a sincere thank you to all exhibitors and speakers that participated in this event as well as our event sponsors, Superior and Rheo AI, for their generous support. ACMA also thanks Magnum Venus Products (MVP), the University of Tennessee Research Park at Cherokee Farm and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for opening their facilities and hosting attendees for engaging behind-the-scenes tours.
ACMA will continue building on the success of its inaugural Composites Evolution through upcoming advocacy efforts, educational programs and industry events, including the 2026 Composites Fly-In and .