Thermoplastics are taking centre stage in fibre reinforced composite innovations, as noted in the latest JEC Composites Innovation Awards 2025 report by Textiles Intelligence. While carbon and glass technical fabrics remain the backbone of the industry, thermoplastics are emerging as a sustainable and versatile alternative to thermosets.
Unlike thermosets, thermoplastics can be reheated and reshaped, offering recyclability and reduced waste key factors driving their appeal. Their malleability also supports complex designs and advanced manufacturing techniques like welding and overmoulding.
Several 2025 JEC award winners highlighted these advantages. Airbus (Germany) showcased a full-scale demonstrator of a single-aisle aircraft fuselage made from carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTPs). The CFRTPs can be moulded at high temperatures, allowing for lighter fuselage structures without heavy fasteners.
The CIMNE-led FIBRE4YARDS project received recognition for promoting thermoplastics in shipbuilding. Traditionally used in vessels under 25 metres, thermoplastics are now being applied to boats up to 50 metres. The project tackled high production costs by replacing manual methods with automated systems.
IRT Jules Verne won for the Zebra project, which developed full-scale wind turbine blades using Elium liquid thermoplastic resin from Arkema. Designed with recyclability in mind, the project marks a significant shift toward circular solutions in wind energy.
Despite these advancements, thermosets continue to dominate, especially in aerospace, due to established trust and long qualification cycles. Still, thermoplastics are positioning themselves as the future of composites through sustainability and innovation.
