Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition dedicated to composite materials and their applications, this year’s edition sets a new benchmark in scale and ambition, in line with its motto “Pushing the Limits”. More than 1,400 exhibitors from 52 countries are on show, with visitors expected from about 100 countries. The five largest exhibiting countries – Germany, France, China, Italy and the United States – represent the industry’s strongest hubs. Another indicator of the event’s global footprint is the arrival of first-time exhibiting nations including New Zealand, Bahrain and Lithuania, alongside new national pavilions from Norway and Poland.

“This edition is our most ambitious yet, more exhibitors, more countries, and the most comprehensive program to date – and as it seems, a record number of business meetings booked through our service. At a time when global supply chains are being reshaped and industrial competitiveness is under pressure, the scale and diversity of JEC World 2026 underline the critical role composites play, and will continue to play, in energy transition, mobility, construction and high-performance manufacturing. The mix of startups, global leaders, researchers, and investors is what makes JEC World unique and what keeps pushing the limits of the composites industry,” said Thomas Lepretre, Vice President, Events, Sales and Operations at JEC Group.

A growing show for a growing industry

Since its creation more than 60 years ago in Paris, the expansion of the annual JEC World event has mirrored the growth of an industry that reached an estimated volume of 15.9 million tons in 2025 and is anticipated to grow at 4% annually through 2030, according to the newly released JEC Observer.

“Whether reinforced with glass, carbon, or even natural fibers, composite materials deliver lightness, resistance and durability that no other material can match across so many applications. Composites have unique properties and various manufacturing technologies, offering solutions to more and more industries, and that is exactly why the market continues to expand”, said Eric Pierrejean, President of JEC. 

Sustainability and circularity

Innovation and sustainability are at the core of JEC World 2026. Composites have always been key enablers of decarbonization thanks to their lightweighting properties and durability. Going further, composite materials themselves are also becoming increasingly circular, offering new opportunities: bio-based and recyclable materials are now commercially available, alongside recycled intermediate materials with excellent mechanical performance, together with reprocessable solutions that open new end-of-life perspectives. Two dedicated areas at the show, the Circularity Village and the Bio-Materials Village, reflect how central these topics have become. Sustainability is equally omnipresent across exhibitor booths and throughout the conference program. The commitment to circularity is also reflected in the European Circular Composites Alliance (ECCA), launched last year at JEC World by EuCIA (the European Composites Industry Association), and which already counts 200 member companies & organizations.

Business and entrepreneurship

Deal-making and business partnerships remain central to the event. This year, JEC’s Business Meetings Service is expected to exceed 17,000 pre-arranged meetings, representing a 25% increase on last year. The program provides a structured environment where partnerships are formed, technologies are evaluated, and supply chains are shaped.

A new First-Time Buyers program helps newcomers to JEC World make the right connections and accelerate their business from day one.

The startup ecosystem has also expanded significantly, with 74 startups participating, including 20 competing in the JEC Composites Startup Booster, in parallel with a dedicated investor day which connects startups with investors.