Composites UK is pleased to announce that John Davidson, Product Director, Oxidation & Carbonisation at Cygnet Texkimp, will be presented with the Outstanding Contribution to the Composites Industry Award at the sector’s prestigious Awards Dinner on 29th October at the National Motorcycle Museum.
With a career spanning more than four decades, John has made a unique and lasting contribution to carbon fibre (CF) production and recycling. Beginning his journey in 1982 at RK Carbon, where he worked with Courtaulds, John went on to design and commission CF production lines worldwide – including the UK’s only CF line at SGL near Inverness.
John is a pioneer in the development of carbon fibre recycling technology. From 2003 to 2009, he served as Managing Director of Milled Carbon, where he developed the world’s first commercial CF composite recycling process, a breakthrough that has since evolved into Gen2Carbon.
At Cygnet Texkimp, where he has worked since 2014 as Product Director for the company’s Oxidation & Carbonisation product stream, John continues to push boundaries by scaling up the DEECOM fibre recycling technology, aiming to achieve full circularity for continuous carbon fibre.
His insights have also made him a key influence and collaborator in the design and build of the NCC research lines and will be vital in bringing these important new UK facilities online and training the next generation of carbon fibre engineers. John’s expertise and commitment extend far beyond technology. His guidance has also been invaluable to academics, with Amy Fitzgerald of NCC praising his mentorship during her doctorate on the life cycle assessment of carbon fibre:
Amy said: “We have been incredibly lucky to have open access to John’s rich carbon fibre knowledge. He has an unconditional passion for this industry and securing a positive future for carbon fibre.”
Throughout his career, John has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to innovation, sustainability, and knowledge-sharing. His impact on the composites industry, and in particular on the journey to reducing its environmental footprint, is widely recognised as transformative.
Cygnet Texkimp CEO Luke Vardy said: “John’s contribution to the world of composites cannot be overstated. He has consulted, advised, recommissioned old lines and designed new ones for over four decades; always sharing his knowledge with tireless generosity as one of only a handful of individuals in the world with his level of technical authority.
“At Cygnet Texkimp, we and our customers benefit enormously from John’s expertise in carbon fibre production and recycling. In the NCC carbon fibre lines, we have an exceptional opportunity to capture John’s knowledge in an independent facility pioneering new techniques here in the UK.”
Reacting to the news of his award, John said: “It’s a huge honour to be recognised for my work by the UK’s composites industry. I was fortunate to be involved right at the beginning of carbon fibre engineering in the UK and to lead a career that’s often been pioneering and always interesting. I’ve learnt deeply, had opportunities to travel extensively, and been able to make a difference. Sharing what I’ve learnt with the next generation of carbon fibre engineers is one of the greatest privileges of my career.”
In addition to John’s accolade, the judges also recognised two additional outstanding industry figures as Highly Commended:
Grace Atkinson, Head of Strategy at Atlas Composite Technologies – celebrated for reshaping company culture, driving people-focused initiatives, and mentoring future leaders, Grace has transformed Atlas with her vision and commitment to employee well-being and growth.
Sam Turner, CEO of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) – honoured for his leadership in building world-class innovation ecosystems across the UK, accelerating advanced composites adoption, and embedding net-zero principles at scale.
The Outstanding Contribution to the Composites Industry Award recognises individuals whose work has shaped the future of the sector. When John Davidson takes to the stage on 29th October, it will mark a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication to advancing carbon fibre technology and sustainability.
Places at the dinner are available to book now.
Website: https://compositesuk.co.uk/events/composites-uk-industry-awards-dinner-2025/