The future of composites is circular—and 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.
It’s inspired by the success of the Circular Plastics Alliance (CPA)—but tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of composites.
What makes ECCA different?
It’s proactive:
The composites industry isn’t waiting for regulation. It’s stepping up now.
It’s inclusive:
Open to all players—raw material suppliers, OEMs, recyclers, waste managers, and even individual experts.
It’s action-oriented:
Starting July 3, 2025, ECCA will launch executive working groups to tackle real-world challenges—waste codes, logistics, recycling standards, and market development for recyclates. (Join us live on 3/7/2025 at 10.30am (CEST), Link in the comments)
It’s timebound:
With a 2–4 year horizon, the goal is to deliver tangible results fast.
This initiative is not just timely—it’s essential.
The
European Commission’s 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 that’s often overlooked but critical to Europe’s green transition.
As Raphael said, “We don’t want to wait for regulation. We want to be proactive.” And that’s exactly what ECCA is doing—turning sustainability into a business case, not just a buzzword.
If you’re 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 Raphael’s 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 Özkisaoglu had the privilege of speaking with Prof. Roberto Frassine—President of both
Assocompositi and
The European Composites Industry Association; EuCIA —about two major milestones shaping the future of composites in Europe.
🎉 Assocompositi Turns 20
Founded in 2005, Assocompositi has grown from 20 founding members to over 80 today, becoming the authoritative voice of Italy’s 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].
🌍 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 Commission’s 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.
🗣️ “We want to prove that composites are not only recyclable in theory—but recycled in practice,” said Frassine. “ECCA is open to all stakeholders. Just sign the declaration—no fees, just commitment.”
What’s Next? Join the Movement
The ECCA is actively forming working groups, and participation is open to all interested parties. As Prof. Frassine put it, “Be part of the next big thing in the composites industry.”
📆 Save the Dates: JEC Forum Expands in 2025
Krakow, Poland (JEC Forum Central Europe): September 2025
Dresden, Germany (JEC Forum DACH): October 21–22, 2025 [3]
Both forums offer tailored business matchmaking between buyers and suppliers. Applications are still open for seller booths and buyer participation—a unique opportunity to connect with the composites community in Central and Eastern Europe and the DACH region.
🔗 Get involved. Shape the future.
Whether you're a manufacturer, policymaker, or innovator—now is the time to engage with ECCA and the JEC Forum network.
