#Composites

2024-10-24

Flipts & Dobbels opens new pathways for biocomposites within VIBES Initiative

Through its involvement in the VIBES project, Flipts & Dobbels has contributed to the VIBES collaboration’s latest breakthrough: the successful manufacture of a carbon and natural fibre panel made with a bisphenol-free epoxy resin using resin infusion techniques. This achievement marks an important milestone in the development of sustainable, high performance composite materials.

Flipts & Dobbels has been supporting the VIBES project for over four years, working with industry innovators to advance the development of bio-based composites by leveraging recyclable epoxy resins, lignin-based carbon fibres and natural flax reinforcements. These materials align with the VIBES goal of reducing environmental impact whilst maintaining high performance standards.

As part of the VIBES collaboration, manufacturing specialists Juno Composites explored key innovations, including the impact of moisture content in natural flax textiles on mechanical performance. This research, which paralleled some of the Alliance European Scientific Council ’s own work on moisture sensitivity, emphasizes the need for relying on the technical know-how of flax reinforcements manufacturers.

“The VIBES project has demonstrated that to fully realise the potential of flax fibres in performance composite applications, all aspects of the entire flax fibre production process, from seed selection to textile manufacturing, should be considered. With more than a hundred years’ experience of working with flax, our company is proud to support the continuous improvements delivered by the VIBES project.” said Caroline Flippts, Flipts & Dobbels.

The Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting its members like Flipts & Dobbels, as they lead the way in developing greener solutions.

DYNEEMA® and NP Aerospace advance personal protection for military servicewomen

Dyneema®, owned by Avient Corporation, an innovator of materials solutions, is supplying its high-performance unidirectional (UD) materials to world-leading armor manufacturer NP Aerospace, enabling the production of armor systems designed specifically to fit the female body. With 2,000 new armor systems, including 4,000 plates, made in the United Kingdom (UK) and delivered in June 2026, this collaboration addresses a long-standing lack of high-quality personal protection specially built for female defense and security personnel.

JEC World 2026 confirms its standing as the unmissable event for composites and their applications

JEC World 2026 confirms its position as the leading global event for the composite materials industry and its applications across multiple sectors, bringing together the entire composites ecosystem in Paris for three days of business, innovation, and collaboration. True to its Pushing the Limits motto, the 2026 edition delivered outstanding results despite travel disruptions worldwide. The numbers speak for themselves: more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 50 countries, including over 150 first-timers, presented a global panorama of products, equipment, and services across the entire composites value chain.

KARL MAYER strengthens partnerships in the composites industry at JEC World 2026

KARL MAYER further strengthened its role as a reliable and competent partner to the composites industry at JEC World 2026. The global market leader in textile machinery manufacturing used the trade show to meet key customers, establish numerous new contacts, and engage in in-depth technical discussions.

Kordsa showcases its global expertise in material technologies at JEC World 2026

Kordsa, a subsidiary of Sabancı Holding, shared its global expertise in material technologies with participants at JEC World 2026, held in Paris. The company’s solutions developed for a wide range of industries—particularly aviation, energy, and automotive—stood out among its key innovations at the exhibition. Throughout the event, Kordsa also presented its vision for sustainable growth and its strategic transformation in composite technologies to international stakeholders.

"We will become a recycling powerhouse"

The textile industry is now in its fourth consecutive year of crisis, while automation, artificial intelligence and recycling are reshaping the rules of the game. In this interview, Rieter CEO Thomas Oetterli discusses the first signs of a market recovery, reflects on his first three years at the helm of the company, explains the integration of Barmag, outlines Rieter’s vision of the fully automated spinning mill and highlights the strategic importance of recycling. In doing so, he explains why the new Rieter Group aims to play a leading role in transforming the textile value chain into a circular economy.

EDANA launches landmark continence report to mark the start of the World Continence Week

Today marks the official commencement of the World Continence Week. To honour this global awareness initiative, EDANA has published a comprehensive report titled "The Central Role of Absorbent Hygiene Products in the Management of Adult Urinary Incontinence: Benefits, Costs and Environmental Impact." The World Continence Week (WCW) is an annual global initiative dedicated to raising public awareness about incontinence and bladder or bowel health issues. Traditionally held in June, this awareness week aims to shed light on a condition that affects millions of people worldwide but is frequently kept secret due to widespread social stigma, embarrassment, and taboo.

Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President of EURATEX

The EURATEX General Assembly has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of EURATEX, renewing its confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and clothing industry. The sector is facing rising costs, global competitive pressure and an increasingly challenging transition towards sustainability and digitalisation.