Composites End Markets
Explore market applications of composites including — but not limited to— aerospace, automotive, infrastructure, defense, marine, mass transit, consumer, wind/energy and urban air mobility. And, bookmark our composites market outlook.
Latest Markets Articles
VIEW ALL
Archer pilots Midnight, advances to next phase of flight testing
Flight operations tested the composites-intensive aircraft’s VTOL and CTOL capabilities, important for its civil and defense operations.
Read More
AMSL Aero makes H2 testing milestones for hybrid Vertiia eVTOL
Bankstown and Wellington fuel cell work has helped to verify Vertiia’s powertrain while also feeding electricity into the airport grid, bringing the composites-intensive Australian aircraft closer to flight.
Read More
Vertical performs piloted VX4 eVTOL flight in open airspace
Successful wingborne flight following approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) completes Phase 3 of Vertical’s path toward certification and commercial operation.
Read More
GVP tanks pass extreme fire tests, confirm market readiness
Full-size, high-pressure Type 3 composite tank test results conclude safe containment during severe fire scenarios, concluding the final stage of GVP’s certification program.
Read More
Flyber launches U.K. composites manufacturing site for advanced mobility applications
The startup’s design automation and composite material layup and curing technologies target lightweighting for aerospace, UAVs, eVTOL and high-performance mobility platforms.
Read More
Archer to provide Midnight eVTOL for 2028 Olympics, Paralympics
Archer seeks to integrate air taxi support across LA through transporting LA28’s VIPs, fans and stakeholders to key venues.
Read MoreLatest Wind/Energy Articles
View more Wind/Energy content
Acciona Energía’s Forty Mile wind farm begins operations
The renewable energy company’s largest wind facility built to date in North America features 49 Nordex turbines each with a capacity of 5.7 megawatts.
Read More
Japan certifies Proteus tidal turbine, now exporting power to national grid
Following installation in the Naru Strait, the composite-bladed, 1.1-megawatt turbine has met all national requirements for safety and performance, a milestone to further tidal generation capacity.
Read More
Composites end markets: Energy (2025)
Despite political and supply chain challenges, renewable and nuclear energy continue to grow in use. Composite materials enable current and future energy technologies across sectors.
Watch
Isodan mobile recycling plant supports fiberglass, composites processing at Greater Renewable of Iowa
Now operational, the containerized plant enables GRI to process up to 20,000 pounds of end-of-life wind blades per shift, opening the way for repurposing opportunities.
Read More
Exel Composites supports resilience of biomimetic hydrokinetic system by EEL Energy
Exel adapted carbon fiber profiles originally designed for wind turbines to meet the low-drag, high-flexibility and long-term fatigue performance demands of this renewable energy system’s nature-inspired membrane.
Read More
RWC delivers composite frac plugs for downhole environments
Filament-wound fiberglass/epoxy frac plug billets, developed as part of a contract with an oilfield service company, address the very demanding performance needs of oil and gas.
Read MoreLatest Automotive Articles
View more Automotive content
HRC highlights automotive material innovation, scalable manufacturing and sustainable systems
The composites company is meeting the transition to electrification and vehicle lightweighting via hybrid monocoques, use of thermoplastic composites and carbon fiber and recycling.
Read More
SPE honors Greg McCunn for 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
McCunn is honored for his professional accomplishments and support of the thermoforming composites industry throughout his career in automotive and beyond.
Read More
Dymag partnership advances carbon fiber wheel market reach
Collaboration between Dymag, Borbet and AIM Co. Ltd. aims to establish a robust, high-quality carbon fiber hybrid wheel supply solution for global automotive and motorcycle markets.
Read More
Tata AutoComp, Katcon Global form strategic JV for composites
Joint venture in Mexico is to specialize in lightweight applications for passenger and commercial vehicles, agricultural tractors and more for the North America market.
Read More
Ford Motor Q1 Award recognizes SGL Carbon GFRP leaf springs
SGL Carbon’s Austrian site has been identified by its years of serving the U.S. automotive manufacturer with quality composite products and efficient production.
Read More
The new Slate truck costs less than $20,000, uses PP composite body panels
Stylish vehicle EV pickup model is supported by a simplified manufacturing process. It is also capable of customization from two seats to five seats.
WatchLatest Defense Articles
View more Defense content
Angels Aircraft launches pre-seed round to build Archangel UAV
First scalable, flight-ready prototype will incorporate high-rate composites manufacturing, a blended wing airframe and an autonomy-first architecture.
Read More
Vivace delivers fuel tank hardware for Talon-A test vehicles
In its partnership with Stratolaunch to advance U.S. hypersonic capabilities, Vivace has provided both composite and metal tanks for the TA-1 and TA-2 in the past year.
Read More
Agile Ultrasonics breaks new ground for ultrasonic composites welding in space manufacturing
Continuous ultrasonic welding (CUW) innovation presents the flexibility crucial for future lunar and deep-space missions, but also for composites joining in defense and commercial aerospace.
Read More
Velocity Composites reinforces key defense partnership with major defense contact renewal
Under a three-year extension, Velocity will continue supplying process material kits for major defense projects for the OEM, reaffirming its broader strategic direction within the sector.
Read More
From prototypes to performance: Composites company makes inroads to new markets
Top Shops 2024 honoree Calian’s composites division blends R&D, rapid prototyping and scalable production with deep engineering integration and corporate synergy.
Read More
Hexcel, Specialty Materials launch boron fiber-infused high modulus carbon fiber
High-compression, hybridized unidirectional prepreg targets advanced commercial and military application opportunities.
Read MoreLatest Pressure Vessels Articles
View more Pressure Vessels content
Thermoplastic composite pipes provide 59% reduction in H2 distribution CO2 emissions
Hive Composites’ multilayer thermoplastic composite pipe (TPC) design meets hydrogen permeation requirements while ensuring substantial CO2 reductions compared to conventional steel pipe systems.
Read More
Multi-segment orders demonstrate Hexagon Group strategy strength
Hexagon Purus, Hexagon Agility and Hexagon Digital Wave subsidiaries, focused on applications related to composites and clean energy, report new U.S. and international hydrogen orders.
Read More
OVERLEAF webinars share composite LH2 innovations, results
A series of three webinars presented by OVERLEAF project partners explore how it is achieving a novel low-pressure, LH2 storage system architecture through LCA methodologies, optical hydrogen sensors and cryogenic-ready 3D printing and materials.
Watch
CIMC-Hexagon delivers its first Type 4 H2 tanks to Europe
Joint venture company has obtained European TPED certification, a critical step to develop local Type 4 tank certification in China, ramp up production capacity.
Read More
ROAD TRHYP to maximize hydrogen tank transport capabilities
European consortium aims to develop an innovative hydrogen trailer to improve the amount of hydrogen gas transported using Type 5 thermoplastic composite tanks.
Read More
Hexagon extends agreement with Stadler for hydrogen train rollout
Delivery of Type 4 storage systems for rail applications in California add to Hexagon Purus’s extensive delivery prowess.
Read MoreLatest Infrastructure Articles
View more Infrastructure content
R-Tech Materials offers accredited composite rebar testing
The independent U.K. lab has has developed a comprehensive suite of materials testing capabilities tailored to the growing demands of the construction sector.
Read More
Premier Composite Technologies, Sicomin support Holy Mosque Mataf extension project
The Grand Mosque’s 216,800-square-meter Mataf ceiling demonstrates the architectural possibilities when using composites.
Read More
Swedish parking garage to incorporate decommissioned wind blades
Architect Jonas Lloyd is working with Vattenfall to design the multistory building with a wind blade façade, targeting eco-friendly buildings and creative ways to remove blades from landfills.
Read More
SGL Carbon carbon fiber enables German road bridge milestone
A 64-meter road bridge installed with carbon fiber reinforcement is said to feature a first in modern European bridge construction, in addition to reducing construction costs and CO2 emissions.
Read More
CSub delivers one-piece composite truss bridge in Norway
EPC supplier has fabricated, transported and delivered a 42-meter composite bridge intended for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Read More
Composites reinvent infrastructure
Celebrating National Composites Week, CW shares ways in which composites continue to evolve the way we approach infrastructure projects.
Read MoreLatest Consumer Articles
View more Consumer content
Bcomp, Siux bring natural fiber composites to padel tennis
Flax fibers enter the court through Siux’s GEA padel racquets, delivering high-performance, well-balance sports equipment to a rapidly growing sports market.
Read More
Carbitex, Blumaka composite insole tackles sport injury prevention
The Carbon Elite Insole combines Carbitex’s ability to provide dynamic flexibility and rigidity where needed with Blumaka’s nonslip insole to prevent initial injury and recurrence for athletes at all levels.
Read More
Composites end markets: Electronics (2025)
Electronic and smart device innovations achieved through the use of advanced materials ranging from thermoplastic composites to biomaterials emphasize high-volume production and sustainability.
Read More
Composite innovations feature automotive, water sports, UAV and consumer project versatility
JEC World 2025: Precision, performance and reliability are at the core of Cobra International’s display, involving a front end, portfolio of water sports applications, a fixed wing drone and more.
Read More
R.F. Innova Srl supports luxury creations through composite waste rework
Founder Enrico Raimondo has developed a technique that enables the reuse of waste accumulated during composites processing.
Read More
Injection molding expertise achieves composites mobility innovation
JEC World 2025: A partner in three JEC Award products, Engel demonstrates how its injection molding equipment can set new benchmarks in applications like bike handlebars and interior vehicle components.
Read MoreLatest Aerospace Articles
View more Aerospace content
Jekta begins flight testing of scaled PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft
Trials of 1:9 scaled composite prototype marks new milestones in the program’s development, including plans to introduce the new aircraft globally in 2030.
Read More
Deutsche Aircraft rolls out D328eco test aircraft
The D328eco turboprop is an advanced evolution of the Dornier 328 with advanced features and a composites-intensive design. Its flight campaign is expected to begin soon.
Read More
Airbus completes first A350F wingset in Broughton
The wingset was formed as part of the company’s first A350 freighter test aircraft, set to serve the highly anticipated demand in passenger and freight markets.
Read More
Hartzell’s carbon fiber Pathfinder is approved for Aviat Husky
Three-blade composite propeller has received supplemental type certification and can replace existing two-bladed propellers on Husky aircraft models.
Read More
Aerospace manufacturing innovations demonstrate the future of aerocomposites
CAMX 2025: Attendees are able to explore several of NIAR ATLAS’ prototype developments in person, highlighting tool-less space manufacturing, AI-enabled inspection and repair and thermoplastic overmolding.
Read More
Wichita State, Dassault Systèmes open Manufacturing Innovation Center
Aviation companies of all sizes will be able to improve their resilience and efficiency via the center’s virtual design, automation and additive manufacturing capabilities.
Read MoreLatest Mass Transit Articles
View more Mass Transit content
New Flyer selects Hexagon Purus H2 tanks for fifth consecutive year
Type 4 tanks will continue to be supplied for the mass mobility provider’s Xcelsior Charge FC fuel cell electric transit buses.
Read More
Büfa partners with Končar to develop composite electric rail platform
Končar-Električna to use Büfa fire-retardant composite materials for electric vehicle development.
Read More
Composites reinvent transportation
Celebrating National Composites Week, CW shares ways in which composites continue to evolve mass transit.
Read More
SABIC debuts EN45545 rail-compliant, fiber-reinforced compound
LNP Thermocomp AM DC0041XA51 offers the rail industry a solution that can be used for on-demand printing of large, complex exterior and interior parts in relatively small build numbers.
Read More
Composite sidewall cover expands options for fire-safe rail components
R&D project by CG Rail explores use of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics and recycled manufacturing scrap to meet fire safety, weight and volume targets.
Read More
Longtime partner New Flyer selects Hexagon Purus to outfit hydrogen transit bus
Hexagon Purus will continue to supply Type IV hydrogen tanks for the Xcelsior Charge H2 fuel cell electric bus, the tanks of which will be produced out of Hexagon’s new Maryland facility.
Read MoreLatest Marine Articles
View more Marine content
Damen, CEAD explore composite 3D printing potential via HDPE Workboat project
Dutch innovators collaborate to investigate large-format 3D printing for functional shipbuilding at the recently opened Maritime Application Center.
Read More
Delta Marine shares 110-foot custom motor yacht with novel hull
In-progress build highlights Delta’s first hull designed entirely using CFD, a step forward in performance innovation for the shipyard known for its custom composites construction expertise.
Read More
CEAD launches the Maritime Application Center dedicated to industrial 3D printing boat hulls
The MAC is an LFAM-powered production facility equipped with highly automated, digitally driven manufacturing processes and built around a collaborative model to develop the boats of the future.
Read More
UTComp NDT inspection prepares FRP Class 40 racing sailboat
Ahead of the competitive Globe40 competition in September, UTComp’s ultrasonic capabilities were used to test the viability of the craft’s carbon fiber mast, boom and bowsprit on the water.
Read More
Royal3D uses large-scale 3D printing for aquatic drone production
ShearWater aquatic drone, manufactured with fiberglass-reinforced recycled PETG, demonstrates precision 3D printing capabilities, sustainability focus and design innovation for maritime and heavy-duty applications.
Read More
Recycled carbon fiber composite panels power 40% lighter, durable semi-rigid solar panels
Designed for auxiliary power use while traveling via boat or RV, Italian startup Levante’s custom flexible or standardized semi-rigid solar panels combine the benefits of ReCarbon’s rCF and thermoplastics.
WatchLatest Construction Articles
View more Construction content
European natural fibers emerge in bio-based architectural projects
The Alliance for European Flax Linen and Hemp highlights several projects in which flax and hemp fibers are being used, emphasizing their increasing use as high-performance, low-impact construction methods.
Read More
ACMA announces PCR publication for platforms, stairways
Product category rule (PCR) provides guidance to builders and architects preparing LCAs and EDPS for platforms and stairways made from FRP composites, steel and more.
Read More
Avient TPC panels support Resia Manufacturing building assembly
Prefabricated, modular components for multi-family housing now incorporate Avient’s Hammerhead panel solutions for bathroom and kitchen module interior wall systems.
Read More
Pultron Composites GFRP rebar addresses facility, marina project challenges
The company’s Mateenbar GFRP rebar has led to more durable solutions for production of a new medical research center, and to improve structures regularly exposed to harsh marine conditions.
Read More
Rock Fiber Inc., ReforceTech form ReforceTech Americas
Joint venture entity will drive the availability and applicability of fiber reinforcement in construction to clients worldwide.
Read More
Acciona 2024 results show record turnover, overall business division improvements
Acciona closed out 2024 with €422 million in profit, record turnover of €19.19 billion and robust evolution in its Infrastructure, Acciona Energía and Nordex businesses.
Read MoreLatest Advanced Air Mobility Articles
View more Advanced Air Mobility content
Stratview Research launches 2025 report on eVTOL dynamics
An update to the 2022 report features an in-depth analysis of 1,000-plus eVTOL aircraft programs worldwide with expert insight spanning eVTOL manufacturers, composite part producers and material suppliers.
Read More
EHang EH216-S eVTOL operators obtain air operator certificates
Equipped with a full suite of certifications from the CAAC, EHang prepares the launch of low-altitude, pilotless, human-carrying aerial vehicles available to regions across China.
Read More
Insight Partner market report says eVTOL aircraft market size will skyrocket by 2028
Analysis for eVTOL market breaks down market segments, key players and the overall competitive landscape expected for 2024-2028.
Read More
Diamond Aircraft acquires Volocopter after insolvency
Integration will maintain Volocopter’s headquarters in Germany, with its development and certification work continuing under Diamond’s ownership.
Read More
Beta completes eVTOL flight demonstrations across Utah
Beta, 47G and UDOT hosted flight demonstrations throughout communities in the state to showcase Alia’s capabilities and highlight AAM’s advantages.
Read More
Second Beta eCTOL to join Norway international aircraft test arena
The U.S. aircraft will be headed to Europe later in 2025 to, among other things, participate in Bristow, Avinor and the CAA’s plans that will set the foundation for scaling zero- and low-emission aviation.
Read MoreLatest Space Articles
View more Space content
Rocket Lab continues building access to space with latest launch vehicle missions
Successful execution of multiple customer missions with reusable composite Neutron and Electron rockets as well as new partnerships highlight Rocket Lab’s expertise.
Read More
Post Cure: CMC family of materials handles extreme environments
Arceon’s Carbeon materials serves to bridge the gap between research and industry, capable of handling extreme temperatures and thermal shock among other properties for defense, space and beyond.
Read More
Northrop Grumman Series D investment advances MLV Eclipse co-developed with Firefly
A $50 million investment further supports Eclipse, a platform built upon the success of Firefly’s carbon fiber Alpha and Northrop Grumman’s Antares rocket with a leap in power, performance and payload capacity.
Read More
Space Walker relocates flagship branch for next phase of spaceplane development
The move to Minamisoma City supports the startup’s future mass production of reusable composite launch vehicles, supporting Japan’s future competitiveness in the space industry.
Read More
CIRA qualifies CMC structures for the reusable Space Rider
Italian team designs, builds and tests multiple large, complex thermal protection system structures made from patented ISiComp C/C-SiC ceramic matrix composites.
Watch
Lockheed Martin completes Orion development for Artemis II
Upgraded composite spacecraft has been delivered to NASA for final preparations for the 2026 launch that, unlike the Artemis I mission, will be crewed.
Read More
Latest Markets News And Updates
Hexagon Agility reaches milestone with additional orders supporting X15-N natural gas trucks
Additional natural gas fuel system orders at a value of $4.3 million include more than 20 Class 8 fleets.
Read More
Joby flies two eVTOL aircraft simultaneously in testing milestone
The latest in the company’s flight testing program targets certification testing acceleration and support of its passenger-carrying goals by 2026.
Read More
Clean Hydrogen Partnership announces 26 new projects
Awarding €154.6 million in grants, the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking aims to accelerate development and deployment of hydrogen technologies across Europe.
Read More
Quantum Fuel Systems, OneH2 develop 930-bar hydrogen tanks
High-pressure Type 4 cylinders are installed in hydrogen trailers with cascading function for simplified mobile refueling and gas distribution.
Read More
Aimen contributes to OVERLEAF 3D printed cryogenic tank
Dual thermoplastic composite system, developed to withstand temperatures below -250°C, demonstrates aviation decarbonization strategies.
Read More
Archer unveils vision for NYC eVTOL network and routes
Archer looks to enable passengers to travel from Manhattan to nearby airports in just 5-15 minutes via the Midnight eVTOL platform.
Read More
Featured Posts
Composites end markets: Aviation and advanced air mobility (2025)
Despite persistent supply chain issues, markets were set for healthy growth before Trump policies and tariffs, yet long-term trends favor composites in new platforms. Meanwhile, advanced air mobility shakes out and moves forward.
Watch
Aerospace prepregs with braided reinforcement demonstrate improved production rates, cost
A recent time study compares the layup of a wing spar using prepreg with A&P’s TX-45 continuous braided reinforcement versus traditional twill woven prepreg.
Read More
JEC World 2025 highlights: Trends in aerospace, new space and defense
CW editor-in-chief Scott Francis discusses trends in aerospace on display at JEC World — as the composites industry awaits a new single aisle aircraft program, the industry puts continued focus on new space, defense, UAM.
Read More
Plant tour: Hexagon Purus, Kassel, Germany
Fully automated, Industry 4.0 line for hydrogen pressure vessels advances efficiency and versatility in small footprint for next-gen, sustainable composites production.
Read More
Composites end markets: New space (2025)
Composite materials — with their unmatched strength-to-weight ratio, durability in extreme environments and design versatility — are at the heart of innovations in satellites, propulsion systems and lunar exploration vehicles, propelling the space economy toward a $1.8 trillion future.
Read More
Development of a composite liquid hydrogen tank for commercial aircraft
Netherlands consortium advances cryogenic composites testing, tank designs and manufacturing including AFP, hybrid winding, welding of tank components and integrated SHM and H2 sensors for demonstrators in 2025.
Watch
