Composites UK (Hemel Hempstead / UK; www.compositesuk.co.uk), the trade body representing UK composite manufacturers, has joined the European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA, Brussels / Belgium; www.eucia.eu).

With Brexit less than a year away, being part of a European organisation is more important than ever to represent the UK composite industry’s interests beyond UK, noted Composites UK chairman Chris Taylor. “We need to have a stronger voice in the legislative decisions taken beyond the UK and as Brexit approaches being part of a European organisation is now more relevant than ever. Europe is a substantial market for the UK and to be part of that, and able to influence it, is crucial,” he said. Composites UK was formed in 1989 and currently supports nearly 350 members.

EuCIA’s president Robert Frassine welcomed the UK trade association. “EuCIA has successfully raised the visibility of composites at EU level and we actively advocate for a balanced legislative environment for the industry. We look forward to a fruitful exchange of information and strengthened collaboration with Composites UK.”

European production of glass fibre-reinforced plastics (GRP) has grown continuously during 2017. According to the latest estimate from the German association of reinforced plastics AVK (Frankfurt; www.avk-tv.de), GRP production volume was about 1.1m t in 2017 – see Plasteurope.com of 11.10.2017.