Strategic partnerships and alliances
Composites UK are always keen to form strategic partnerships with companies and other associations where a relationship is beneficial to member companies. If you would like to talk to us further about forming a partnership please contact us.
European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA)
The Association of the European Composites Industry, representing European National composite Associations as well as industry specific Sector Groups, such as those targeting particular product groups or processes. With the support of its Members EuCIA is promoting a good trading environment in an innovative and growing European composites industry.
As voted for by our members, Composites UK joined EuCIA in May 2018. The main reasons for this are outlined below:
- In view of Brexit, being part of EuCIA will be an important ‘political’ statement that we remain part of Europe, and are taking action to facilitate working with other Europeans. Leaving the EU does not mean leaving Europe.
- EuCIA organises a 1-day annual meeting with the Commission (October) – as members we will take part in this and influence policy. Composites UK members could also attend/present.
- EuCIA have done some very useful work on LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) which is relevant to what we are aiming to do in collaboration with other nations.
- CEN and CENELEC (covering standards) are not part of the European Commission, so our representation there through BSI’s membership will remain the same. However, there will be times when we need representation at the EC for regulatory issues. An important example of this is the Environmental Footprint activity developing PEFCRs (product environmental footprint category rules.) and lobbying against citation of European Standards that are detrimental to composites (e.g. EN124 Manhole covers) EuCIA membership would give us the platform to continue to influence these.
- EuCIA is recognised by the Commission as the industry voice in development of the Eurocodes.
EuCIA’s European Circular Composites Alliance (ECCA)
The challenge of increasing circularity with composite materials is a global one which means there is significant benefit to be gained by working internationally to find solutions. That’s why Composites UK is a full member of EuCIA and actively participates in the EuCIA Sustainability Working Group to ensure the UK composites sector can benefit fully and quickly from learning and progress made in the European composites sector (and vice versa). The value of international co-operation is also the key reason why Composites UK fully supports the European Circular Composites Alliance (ECCA) and is seeking to play an active role in the ECCA’s activities going forward.
Composites UK was an early signatory to the ECCA declaration unveiled at the JEC exhibition in Paris in March 2025 and has encouraged all UK composites sector players to also sign up to the ECCA declaration and to participate in the ECCA working groups which are starting work from August 2025. Composites UK itself will participate in WG5, a cross-functional and cross-sector working group focussed on policy, regulation, investment, monitoring, metrics and reporting.
Composites UK will provide updates on the activities and progress of the ECCA and its working groups, at each quarterly meeting of its sustainability subgroup, and will also provide periodic updates to its wider membership on completion of significant milestones by the ECCA, and in its annual report.
Please contact Composites UK’s Sustainability Manager, Malcolm Forsyth, for more details.
British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF)
Composites UK is a Duty Holder member of the BSIF – the key independent voice representing the interests of the UK safety industry to a wide audience, including Government, its enforcement agencies, standards making authorities and safety equipment users.
GTMA
GTMA is a UK-based trade association representing companies in precision engineering, rapid product development, tool-making, tooling technologies, metrology and other critical manufacturing related products and services. It focusses major market sector opportunities, from aerospace and automotive to medical and marine.
Its work with OEMs and Tier 1s has seen initiatives to raise standards in its membership base, which is now seen as a valuable resource for buyers building manufacturing supply chains.
Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN)
The Knowledge Transfer Network helps businesses get the best out of creativity, ideas and the latest discoveries, to strengthen the UK economy and improve people’s lives. KTN is a network partner of Innovate UK.
KTN links new ideas and opportunities with expertise, markets and finance through their network of businesses, universities, funders and investors. Composites UK works closely with the KTN Manufacturing team, with the Composites specialists, and with the end-sector teams.
Make UK – The Manufacturer’s Association
To strengthen the service offered by Composites UK to our members we have Affiliate Partnership of Make UK (The Manufacturers’ Association).
The affiliate partner programme has been established to bring together UK membership organisations who operate within the manufacturing, engineering and wider industrial sector. The aim is that, by working together, we are better placed to both deliver a stronger industrial sector for the UK and provide valuable benefits for member companies.
Through our Make UK Affiliate Partnership, Composites UK members are entitled to sign up free of charge as an Make UK Affiliate Member, giving them access to:
- Make UK information and insight
- Make UK Member Advantages programme
- Preferential rates on Make UK training courses, events and publications.
- And more…
If you are a Composites UK member and haven’t already signed up for FREE affiliate membership of Make UK please email the office: info@compositesuk.co.uk
RECycling of Used Plastics Limited (RECOUP) is a charity and leading authority providing expertise and guidance across the plastics recycling value chain. Built on a network of valued members, collaboration is central to our activities. RECOUP is committed to securing sustainable, circular and practical solutions for plastic resources both in the UK and world-wide.
Silverstone Technology Cluster
The Silverstone Technology Cluster has been established as a not-for-profit organisation to create an ecosystem which promotes and supports the growth of its members by maximising their global competitiveness and by attracting investment to the region.
The agreement between the two organisations will mean that they will promote each other as members on their respective websites; Promote one another’s events and conferences, offering discounts for both sets of member companies; and be invited to speak at relevant events.
www.silverstonetechnologycluster.com
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. Its resources, reputation and unrivalled automotive data place it at the heart of the UK automotive industry.
SMMT is the voice of the UK motor industry, supporting and promoting its members’ interests, at home and abroad, to government, stakeholders and the media.
SMMT represents more than 800 automotive companies in the UK, providing them with a forum to voice their views on issues affecting the sector, helping to guide strategies and build positive relationships with government and regulatory authorities.