Four major trade associations in Germany this week announced the creation of Composites Germany, a new umbrella organisation designed to strengthen the composites industry in the country.
The new body replace AVK within the EuCIA European composites industry association.
The AVK Federation of Reinforced Plastics, the CCeV carbon composites industry association, the CFK-Valley Stade carbon fibre cluster and the Composite Technology Forum of the VDMA association of German plastics and rubber machinery made the official announcement at the Composites Europe fair this week.
The association will be headquartered in Berlin, chosen because it will allow the group to build up its political contacts with German government ministers.
Starting next year, Composites Germany will organise a regular “composites evening” for members of parliament.
Internationally, the body will replace AVK’s membership within the EuCIA European composites industry association in order to develop a wider political network.
The association says it will push for a larger share of the state support cake for composites industry projects, in Europe as well as nationally. It will also focus on high performance composites, automated production techniques and training.
On its website, Composites Europe says it will also work for more transparency in the composites market and it will publish a six-monthly industry report containing market reports from AVK and CCeV.