Strong presence as an event partner, expert insights, and lively exchange on high-performance fiber composites
Inspiration for the composites community in the DACH region
This year’s JEC Forum DACH, which took place on October 21 and 22, 2025, in Dresden, once again brought together the composites community from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Organized by the JEC Group in partnership with AVK – Industrievereinigung Verstärkte Kunststoffe (Industrial Association for Reinforced Plastics), the event combined business meetings, specialist presentations, and networking for representatives from across the entire value chain of the composites industry.
As an event partner, Composites United e. V. (CU) played a key role in the implementation and used the forum to showcase the innovative strength of its members and the performance capabilities of modern fiber composites. Through its partnership, CU underscored the importance of the DACH region as a leading location for high-performance fiber composite technologies.
The organizers and partners of the JEC Forum DACH 2025 in Dresden (from left to right): Dr. Elmar Witten (AVK), Dr. Michael Effing (AVK), Dr. Thomas Heber (CU), Anne-Carole Barbarin (JEC), Volker Matthes (AVK), and Raphaël Pleynet (EUCIA)
Security and defense: New materials for new requirements
One of the highlights of the conference program was the session on “Security and Defense,” moderated by Marc Fette, CEO of Composite Technology Center GmbH and member of the CU Presidium. Under the theme “New threats, new materials,” participants discussed how modern composites can strengthen the security and defense capabilities of the future—from high-performance materials for extreme operating conditions to lightweight structural systems for vehicles and bridges.
Marc Fette, CEO of Composite Technology Center GmbH and member of the CU Presidium (right), moderated the session on “Security and Defense”; pictured here in conversation with Klaus Müller (Airbus Defence and Space GmbH).
With their presentations, speakers from ArianeGroup, Airbus Defence and Space, and Avanco Composites demonstrated how modern fiber composite technologies are transforming the defense industry. While CMCs (ceramic matrix composites) are setting new standards in strength, temperature resistance, and safety, innovative manufacturing strategies and locally anchored supply chains are opening up avenues to more efficient, sustainable, and resilient systems—a clear signal for Europe’s technological sovereignty.
Infrastructure: Carbon as the building material of the future
On the second day of the event, the “Infrastructure” session, moderated by Roy Thyroff (rothycon CARBON BEWEHRUNG; Network Managing Director CU Bau), focused on the civil applications of modern composite materials. Under the question “Can carbon composites redefine civil infrastructure – for a more resilient and sustainable future?”, experts presented new approaches to construction and infrastructure.
Contributions from Klaus Köhler Beton- und Fertigteilwerk GmbH, Carbon 360 GmbH, and BaltiCo GmbH made it clear that carbon concrete and fiber-based reinforcement systems enable lighter, more durable, and more resource-efficient construction methods. Hybrid solutions in particular—such as the combination of CFRP pultrusion technology and concrete—open up new possibilities in areas such as rail transport, bridges, and towers.
The “Infrastructure” session was moderated by Roy Thyroff (rothycon CARBON REINFORCEMENT; Network Managing Director CU Bau) (right).
Supporting program: Exchange, awards, and insights into practical applications
In addition to the technical program, the supporting program offered a wide range of opportunities for networking and discovery. The evening event created an informal setting for exchange and new collaborations.
One highlight was the presentation of the AVK Awards on October 21, 2025. The winners of the prestigious innovation award for fiber-reinforced plastics were honored in the categories “Products and Applications,” “Processes and Procedures,” and “Research and Science.” A jury of experts evaluated the submissions according to their level of innovation, degree of implementation, and sustainability. The award-winning projects—ranging from 3D-printed concrete formwork to electrified aircraft cabins and demountable composite structures—highlighted the innovative strength and diversity of the industry.
The jury and winners of this year’s AVK Innovation Award (left; © Image: AVK).
Interesting technical discussions at the Composites United booth (right).
The JEC Start-up Innovation Session also provided fresh impetus, with five young companies presenting their pioneering technologies for the composites sector.
The program was rounded off by the Composites Tour, which offered exclusive insights into companies and research institutions in the region, including EFW – Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH, Applus+ IMA Dresden, herone GmbH, LEIV – National Lightweight Construction Validation Center, and Anybrid GmbH. The factory tours impressively demonstrated how closely research, development, and production are interlinked in Saxony’s composites landscape.
On the third day, the Composites Tour offered exclusive insights into companies such as Applus+ IMA Dresden (left; © Image: Applus+ IMA Dresden) and LEIV – National Lightweight Construction Validation Center, where herone GmbH presented itself (right; © Image: herone GmbH).
Summary and outlook
Composites United draws a thoroughly positive conclusion: two days full of expert insights, intensive discussions, and new contacts confirmed the relevance of the event.
“The JEC Forum DACH is not only a platform for exchange between suppliers and buyers in the composites industry, but also a driver for innovation and cooperation. As a partner, we combine the strengths of our members and showcase the innovative power of our community. We look forward to continuing to play a role as co-creators and catalysts in the future,” concluded Dr. Thomas Heber, Deputy Managing Director of Composites United e. V.
