JEC says the growth of the composites sector is fuelled by three main international trends: innovation and design driving further the penetration of these materials; competitive manufacturing; bigger volume in strong growth countries. The 2014 session experienced a record stream of visitors to date for a composites related event. The show increased its surface area to 54,400m2 (+8% compared to 2013) and moved to two levels of Paris Porte de Versailles pavilions 7. The two floors were completely full to such an extent that JEC Group is considering the addition of a 3rd floor for 2015. A number of agreements were signed on JEC Europe’s stage, confirming JEC Group as the industrial backing of the global composites community. The JEC Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea Institute of Carbon Convergence Technology, sealing cooperation for networking opportunities and information sharing for Korean companies on JEC platforms, particularly JEC Asia in Singapore. Also, the MoU between the Nano Mikro Werkstoffe Photonik cluster from North Rhein Westfalia and the MAUD cluster from Nord-Pas-De-Calais benefited from the JEC show’s impact to strengthen their ongoing collaborations. Similarly, the MoU between the Nagoya University, National Composite Center (NCC) - Greater Nagoya, and the CFK-Valley Stade - Niedersachsen to undertake joint R&D projects and realise innovations in the field of lightweight construction was signed during JEC Europe 2014. The organisers say that attendance to the Innovative Composites Summit, where 39 speakers shared their latest advances in Composites Research and Applications also proves the abundance of knowledge and networking opportunities. Furthermore, the brand new format of the JEC Innovation Awards ceremony highlighted 16 winners and their partners. And the JEC Business Meetings Programme, which assembles selected buyers and exhibitors, recorded no less than 600 meetings over the three days of the show. Meanwhile, the 2nd Automotive Composites Circle brought together 60 key stakeholders of the automotive industry and was a huge success. This confirms JEC Group’s plan to repeat this high level event at the upcoming JEC Americas in Atlanta next May 13-15, 2014. Finally, and for the first time, two ‘Natural Fibres’ Tours have been conducted with a guide, covering the visit of exhibitors specialised in composites based on natural fibres. The 2015 edition of JEC Europe will return to Paris, Porte De Versailles on 10-12 March. www.jeccomposites.com
