The 8th International Conference & Exhibition on Thermoplastic Composites (ITHEC) will take place on October 28 and 29, 2026, in Bremen. ITHEC 2026 is organised by Composites United e. V. and the Faserinstitut Bremen e. V. This international industry event is supported by, amongst others, SAMPE Germany and CompositesWorld as media partners.
The conference programme for ITHEC 2026 has been finalised and published: in October 2026, the international community of experts in thermoplastic composites will meet once again in Bremen. With a comprehensive programme featuring keynote speeches, parallel technical sessions, poster presentations, an exhibition, panel discussions and networking opportunities, ITHEC is the leading platform for the latest developments, industrial applications and scientific advances in the field of thermoplastic composites.
Thermoplastic composites on the way to industrial application
Thermoplastic composites (TPC) are regarded as a key technology for high-performance, efficient and sustainable lightweight structures. They enable short process times, automated production, weldability, reparability and new approaches to recyclable high-performance components. As a result, they are increasingly becoming the focus of industrial manufacturing in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy and transport. ITHEC 2026 will address this dynamic and bring together experts from research, development and application.
The programme highlights the conference’s wide-ranging topics: the focus includes, amongst other things, high-rate manufacturing, joining technologies, transport, automotive & engineering, emerging technologies, materials processing, material insights, recycling, hydrogen and energy storage applications, thermoplastic pressure vessels, AFP processes, thermoforming, welding technologies, and new approaches to industrial mass production. The technical programme is complemented by 24 scientific poster presentations, an accompanying exhibition featuring over 40 companies and research institutions, and targeted networking events.
“ITHEC 2026 demonstrates how thermoplastic composites have evolved from a promising technology into a field of solutions with industrial relevance. The programme combines scientific depth with practical application issues, thereby offering precisely the kind of dialogue the industry needs to take the next step,” says Dr Tjark von Reden (CEO, Composites United e. V.).
CompositesWorld panel discusses next-generation aerostructures
A highlight of the programme is the panel discussion hosted by CompositesWorld on the second day of the conference, under the theme ‘High-rate Thermoplastic Composite Aerostructures: Ready or Not?’
Thermoplastic composite clips, brackets and interior fittings have been well-proven in A350 and B787 production, while welded leading/ trailing edges and rudders have been flying for decades. And yet the signal for commercial next-gen single aisle and air mobility platforms is “not yet”. Perceived gaps include inspection and certification of welded UD/ primary structures, proper adhesion of paints and coatings, validated repair procedures and cost of materials/ manufacturing. Our panel of experts — from OEM program managers to welding experts to engineers with years of parts fabrication experience — will discuss these issues, as well as the competition from high-rate thermosets and soon-to-be commercialized reformable and recyclable epoxy-based vitrimers.
Panelists:
- Maarten Bach (Business Line Manager Thermoplastics – KVE Composites Group)
- Allison Christy (Research Chemical Engineer, NASA)
- Molly Hall (Research Fellow Thermoplastics, Centre for Future Materials, UniSQ)
- Katharina Kosheck (Head of Adhesives and Polymeric Materials, Fraunhofer IFAM)
- David Leach (Principal, Composite Material Solutions)
- Angelos Miaris (Program Manager, Airbus Aerostructures Bremen)
In addition to the conference programme, ITHEC 2026 also provides an opportunity for personal exchanges and new collaborations. The accompanying exhibition showcases the latest products, technologies and services across the thermoplastic composites value chain – from materials and machinery, through testing methods and processes, to industrial solutions. The joint evening programme on October 28 at the Bremer Ratskeller also provides a special setting for networking in a relaxed atmosphere.
ITHEC takes place every two years in Bremen and is one of the international meeting places for the TPC community. The event brings together academia and industry and is aimed at professionals from research, development, production, applications and management who are seeking new technologies, partners and inspiration for high-performance thermoplastic composites. More than 300 international participants and over 40 exhibitors are expected to attend. Tickets for ITHEC 2026 are now available via the website.
For further information, the programme and ticket booking:
