The future of composites is circularâand it starts now.
At the stunning Villa Erba during JEC Forum Italy, I had the opportunity to speak with
RAPHAEL PLEYNET, Managing Director of
The European Composites Industry Association; EuCIA about a game-changing initiative: the European Composites Circular Alliance (ECCA).
Launched at JEC World 2025 in collaboration with the European Commission, ECCA is a voluntary, industry-led movement to accelerate circularity in the composites sector.
Itâs inspired by the success of the Circular Plastics Alliance (CPA)âbut tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of composites.
What makes ECCA different?
Itâs proactive:
The composites industry isnât waiting for regulation. Itâs stepping up now.
Itâs inclusive:
Open to all playersâraw material suppliers, OEMs, recyclers, waste managers, and even individual experts.
Itâs action-oriented:
Starting July 3, 2025, ECCA will launch executive working groups to tackle real-world challengesâwaste codes, logistics, recycling standards, and market development for recyclates. (Join us live on 3/7/2025 at 10.30am (CEST), Link in the comments)
Itâs timebound:
With a 2â4 year horizon, the goal is to deliver tangible results fast.
This initiative is not just timelyâitâs essential.
The
European Commissionâs Clean Industrial Deal calls for decarbonization, circularity, and innovation across all sectors. ECCA is a direct response to that call, offering a roadmap for sustainable growth in a sector thatâs often overlooked but critical to Europeâs green transition.
As Raphael said, âWe donât want to wait for regulation. We want to be proactive.â And thatâs exactly what ECCA is doingâturning sustainability into a business case, not just a buzzword.
If youâre part of the composites value chain, this is your moment. Join the alliance (Link in the comments). Shape the standards. Influence the future.
Signing up takes one minute. Participation is free (Link in the comments). The impact? Potentially transformative. I have been the first signatory in fact with
Composites LoungeWatch the full 10-minute interview to hear Raphaelâs insights and learn how you can get involved. Because the more voices we have, the stronger our collective impact will be.
Celebrating 20 Years of Assocompositi and the Launch of the European Composites Circular Alliance (ECCA)
At the recent JEC Forum Italy 2025, held in the stunning Villa Erba on Lake Como,
Ilkay Ăzkisaoglu had the privilege of speaking with Prof. Roberto FrassineâPresident of both
Assocompositi and
The European Composites Industry Association; EuCIA âabout two major milestones shaping the future of composites in Europe.
đ Assocompositi Turns 20
Founded in 2005, Assocompositi has grown from 20 founding members to over 80 today, becoming the authoritative voice of Italyâs composites industry. Over two decades, the association has championed innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration. It offers technical and regulatory support, market studies, green certifications, and training programs. Assocompositi has also played a pivotal role in promoting circular economy solutions and end-of-life strategies for composites [1].
đ Introducing the European Composites Circular Alliance (ECCA)
Launched by EuCIA in partnership with JEC, the ECCA is a bold new initiative to build circular and competitive value chains for composites across Europe. Inspired by the Circular Plastics Alliance, ECCA aims to:
-Promote design for recycling
-Improve waste collection and sorting
-Boost recycled content in new products
-Guide R&D and investment
-Establish a monitoring system for recycled volumes
Prof.
Roberto Frassine emphasized the importance of aligning with the
European Commissionâs dual focus on sustainability and competitiveness. With DG GROW as a key partner, the Commission has joined ECCA as an observer, ensuring strategic alignment with EU policy goals.
đŁïž âWe want to prove that composites are not only recyclable in theoryâbut recycled in practice,â said Frassine. âECCA is open to all stakeholders. Just sign the declarationâno fees, just commitment.â
Whatâs Next? Join the Movement
The ECCA is actively forming working groups, and participation is open to all interested parties. As Prof. Frassine put it, âBe part of the next big thing in the composites industry.â
đ Save the Dates: JEC Forum Expands in 2025
Krakow, Poland (JEC Forum Central Europe): September 2025
Dresden, Germany (JEC Forum DACH): October 21â22, 2025 [3]
Both forums offer tailored business matchmaking between buyers and suppliers. Applications are still open for seller booths and buyer participationâa unique opportunity to connect with the composites community in Central and Eastern Europe and the DACH region.
đ Get involved. Shape the future.
Whether you're a manufacturer, policymaker, or innovatorânow is the time to engage with ECCA and the JEC Forum network.