Statistics: Trends in Production of Fibre Reinforced Composite Materials in Europe, 2023

This report includes statistical data and analysis of fibre reinforced composite materials production in Europe, and it provides breakdowns for each of the following categories: thermoplastics; thermosets; and carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRPs).

Also, it provides an outlook for the future. European production of fibre reinforced composite materials increased in 2021 after it had declined in 2020, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry and market. Within the thermoplastics category, the largest segment in 2021 was that of short fibre reinforced thermoplastics, followed by long fibre reinforced thermoplastics (LFT), glass mat reinforced thermoplastics (GMT), and continuous fibre reinforced thermoplastics. Within the thermosets category, the largest segment in 2021 was that of non-crimp fabrics, followed by sheet moulding compound (SMC) components and bulk moulding compound (BMC) components, products manufactured using open mould processes, sheet components and pultruded components manufactured using continuous processes, products manufactured using resin transfer moulding (RTM), and pipes and tanks.

Looking ahead, the European composites industry is expected to continue to expand over the long term as new opportunities arise in existing markets and in new markets, and as research into further applications bears fruit. However, the industry faces a number of challenges, including weak automotive sales in Europe, high energy costs and logistics costs, shortages of raw materials and semi-finished products, and political tensions.