The 14th edition of the “Composites Europe” trade fair (www.composites-europe.com) will be held from 10-12 September 2019 in Stuttgart / Germany. The event is organised by Reed Exhibitions (Düsseldorf / Germany; www.reedexpo.de) in collaboration with the European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA, Brussels / Belgium; www.eucia.eu) and trade association Composites Germany (Berlin; www.composites-germany.org). Reed Exhibitions is expecting more than 300 exhibitors, and regarding visitors, a spokesperson told Plasteurope.com, “We are targeting the number from last year.” The event had 8,148 visitors in 2018 – see Plasteurope.com of 21.11.2018.

This year, a “Lightweight Technologies Forum” will act as a platform for multi-material lightweight construction, with a focus on digitalisation of the process chain. Keynote speakers include Airbus innovation manager Peter Pirklbauer, lightweight construction expert Jörg Wellnitz (Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt), Dutch racing driver Jeroen Bleekemolen and aviation and aerospace specialist Claus Bayreuther (Automotive Management Consulting). In partnership with Luxembourg-based aerospace supplier Gradel, AMC is currently conducting a market study to examine the technological trends for lightweight construction, and the results will be presented at the forum on 10 September.

The trade fair will be held in parallel with the fifth “International Composites Conference”, which will bring together processors and users of fibre-reinforced plastics from across Europe. The conference's partner country this year is the UK. With Brexit looming, the International Composites Conference aims to foster exchange between European countries. Reed notes that the UK is among the biggest producers of composite components in Europe.

“Foam Expo Europe” will also be running concurrently with Composites Europe. The expo covers raw materials to machinery and will present moulded, rigid and soft foam solutions.