Our association
The AVK – Industrievereinigung Verstärkte Kunststoffe e.V. is the German trade association
for fiber-reinforced plastics/composites and represents the interests of producers and processors
at national and European level.
Over 210 member companies:
one of the largest associations in the
composites sector in Europe.
We represent our members along the entire value chain in the field of reinforced plastics.
Comprehensive range of services:
specialist working groups, seminars,
conferences, provision of
market-relevant information
and much more!
Well networked nationally and internationally:
one of the four supporting associations of the GKV, member of EuCIA,
founding member of Composites Germany.
Composites/Fiber-reinforced plastics
The composites market reached a volume of 13.5 million tons in 2024. Within this special segment of the plastics industry, the possible combinations in terms of composition and processing are just as varied as the applications and areas of use.
The main area of application for GRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic), which accounts for more than 95% of the market volume in Europe in terms of materials, is the transport sector with a market share of almost 50%. Applications in the infrastructure and construction sectors account for more than 20%. The electronics/electrical sector accounts for around 19% of the market volume. There are also numerous applications in the sports and leisure sector.
The unique portfolio of properties of composites is decisive for their use. Fiber-reinforced plastics have some outstanding advantages compared to other material groups (e.g.):
- Very good corrosion and weather resistance
- Very long service life possible (>30 years)
- High lightweight construction potential (low density)
- Possibility of load-compliant design
- Excellent chemical & biological resistance
- Composites do not rust or rot
- Virtually maintenance-free use
- Low thermal & electrical conductivity
- Transparent for electromagnetic waves