February 2026 | No. 02/2026
For the first time, a circular economy forum was held on February 3, 2026 on the topic of “Composite Materials and Composites – Textiles in Second Life”. The event was organized in cooperation with the AVK – Industrievereinigung Verstärkte Kunststoffe and the Verband der Nordwestdeutschen Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie.
Almost 40 representatives from member companies of both associations as well as experts from the value chain accepted the invitation to Münster to discuss the specific challenges and solutions. In 8 specialist presentations, experts from the respective fields provided information on material specifics, areas of application, recycling options and possible future approaches – e.g. on product design – for the second life of technical textiles and composites.
Above all, the aim was to create and maintain value in the context of the circular economy with its R-strategies and the realization that cooperation is necessary and advantageous.
The second focus of the event was on cross-association networking and making new contacts. The discussions revealed differences, but also a wide range of opportunities for future collaboration and the development of new solutions, even beyond the respective sectors.
The participants agreed on the added value of the new format and the new perspectives for action that have opened up, so that a continuation of the cooperation and the event concept is planned for the future.
