ELCA European Lightweight Cluster Alliance

Last Thursday the ELCA and EUROPEAN ALUMINIUM held a joint workshop to Collaborate for Stronger European Leadership in Lightweight Materials and Technologies. The online workshop brought together 25+ ELCA and European Aluminium members from the aluminium and composite sectors, research organisations, and technology providers. Discussions focused on cross-sectoral collaboration and lay the groundwork for innovative projects targeting Horizon Europe 2025 funding. Thank you to the participants and European Aluminium for the collaboration 🌏🔗 #HorizonEurope #LightweightMaterials

Last week, ELCA members gathered in Krakow for our annual General Assembly to reflect on our achievements in 2024 and set ambitious goals for 2025! Over two days, we celebrated the successes of the AMULET H2020 project, which held its final event at the KOMPOZYT-EXPO®. On Day 2, we hosted an insightful joint workshop with the GIANCE project titled “Addressing Challenges: Graphene Solutions for Advancing Lightweight Materials.” The session fostered collaboration and innovation in advanced materials, spotlighting graphene’s transformative role in lightweight materials. We thank all those that participated over the two days, here's to continued growth and innovation in 2025! Fraunhofer IWU, POLYMERIS, Bydgoszcz Industrial Cluster Tool Valley, Clúster de Materials Avançats de Catalunya, Eurecat - Technology Centre, Jozef Stefan Institute, Bay Zoltán Kutatóközpont, Clust-ER Meccatronica e Motoristica, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

In our latest ELCA newsletter, we had the pleasure of interviewing Annabelle Sion from POLYMERIS 💡 We discussed the biggest challenges in the rubber, plastics, and composites sectors, especially with the shift towards bioplastics, recyclates, and electric vehicles. Annabelle also shared how Polymeris is supporting its members, particularly SMEs, through innovation initiatives, EU funding, and projects like AMULET H2020, which focuses on lightweight advanced materials for a more sustainable future. Discover the full interview and learn more about the latest innovations and challenges in the polymer industry. Read it here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eBGNxapv

📣We are getting closer to the grand finale ❗ Who will join us during the 13th International Trade Fair for Composite Materials, Technologies and Products Kompozyt-Expo in Krakow, Poland❓ 🎉We are pleased to announce the panellists who will participate in the first roundtable: "SMEs support through EU projects and EU cluster’s actions". This multi-stakeholder roundtable on SME involvement and EU project support will focus on the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA)’s activities within the I3 programme, presented by Virginie Perron Peron, our Project Adviser. Then, Dr. Katharina Schöps, representative of the ELCA European Lightweight Cluster Alliance network, will present the role of clusters and cluster networks in supporting SMEs, and Andrzej Czulak, as an #Ambassador for the AMULET project, will present a local example of activities in this field. ⌛ Save the date and time: 16th October 2024, 14:30 CEST 🌏 Venue: International Exhibition and Convention Centre EXPO Kraków, Poland 🏢Place: conference zone 👥 Meet us at the booth D44a and D44b❗ If you want to get to know the assumptions of the project and what we have managed to achieve during its implementation or explore the innovative solutions of our 15 finalists. All necessary information about the event can be found on our website 👇 https://lnkd.in/gJb5Ra2g #INNOSUP #EISMEA #ECCP #Cluster_EU #lightweightmaterials #SMEs #innovation POLYMERIS | Bydgoszcz Industrial Cluster Tool Valley | Bax | FundingBox | Project and Innovation support (Jožef Stefan Institute) | Clust-ER Meccatronica e Motoristica | Autoklastr | Clúster de Materials Avançats de Catalunya | Technische Universität Chemnitz | Flanders Make | Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) | IMAST scarl | Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Pécs-Baranya

In our latest ELCA newsletter, we had the opportunity to interview George Kotsikos from the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) 💡 We caught up with him to get insights on the latest workshop titled Efficient, Lightweight, Sustainable Advanced Materials - Supporting EU industries to meet the Green Deal targets. Find the full interview below to discover the recent advancements in sustainable lightweight materials, and which are the limitations yet to overcome. 👉 https://lnkd.in/dd44GVYU

In our latest ELCA newsletter, we had the opportunity to interview Nelly Baron from the JEC Group 💡 We explored the latest advancements and trends shaping the future of composite materials. Here are some key highlights: Sustainable Innovation: Discover how bio-based composites, automated fibre placement, and 3D printing are revolutionising industries with eco-friendly solutions. Carbon Footprint Reduction: Learn how composites are playing a critical role in transportation, construction, and renewable energy by reducing emissions and enhancing efficiency. The Future of Sports: See how composites are boosting performance and safety in sports equipment, from bicycles to prosthetics, with a special focus on the 2024 Paris Olympics. Research & Development: Explore the potential of composites in emerging markets, including electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered transport, and wind propulsion systems for shipping. Collaboration & Education: JEC’s commitment to innovation, education, and global networking is accelerating the adoption of composites across various industries. Read the full interview for a closer look at the future of composites and how they're driving sustainable progress across the globe! 🌍 https://lnkd.in/dd44GVYU

Register to be a part of a webinar on the latest innovations in bio-based polymers and their role in tackling plastic waste ♻️ Organised by the CBE JU funded FURIOUS project and THERMOFIRE CBE-JU projects, this online event will dive into the cutting-edge research transforming the future of sustainable materials. Discover how furan-based polymers and bio-based fire-retardants are being developed for challenging applications, leading the charge against plastic waste. Date: 24 September 2024, 11-12 CET Register here: https://lnkd.in/dYYrpRZX POLYMERIS I Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU)

The newest edition of the ELCA newsletter is here 💡 This September 2024 edition is packed with groundbreaking insights on #circularity and #sustainability in the #automotive industry, #lightweight materials, and the future of electric vehicles. The edition takes a deeper look at the industry from two perspectives: 🎤 Nelly Baron, Marketing Director at JEC Group, shares her perspective on the latest advancements and challenges in composites, and how this fast-evolving industry is contributing to sustainability. 🎤 Dr. George Kotsikos from the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) provides valuable insights into how lightweight materials are helping meet the EU Green Deal targets, and what the future holds for EU-funded projects driving innovation in this space. There are also updates on groundbreaking projects shaping the industry. The ZEvRA EU Project is at the forefront of revolutionising the EV industry with innovative circular solutions, while the AMULET H2020 project is preparing for its final showcase at the KOMPOZYT-EXPO® in Krakow this October, where cutting-edge lightweight technologies will take centre stage. Both initiatives highlight how sustainability and lightweighting are driving significant advancements across multiple sectors. Take a read!  https://lnkd.in/djWb-hzj POLYMERIS I PIEP - Innovation in Polymer Engineering I Eurecat - Technology Centre I GIANCE project I ZEvRA EU Project I European Commission

The 2024 Material Week was held in Cyprus for the first time, bringing together key research and innovation leaders driving advances in materials innovation. During the event, Indira Altynbekova from Bax presented the AMULET H2020 technology roadmap. This roadmap is being developed to inform decision-makers about the drivers, challenges, and innovations related to lightweight materials—polymer-based composites, light metal alloys, and ceramic matrix composites—across four different industrial sectors. It will provide crucial technological insights, enabling the development of better policies and offering recommendations on which advancements should be prioritised. 🗣 “From greener cars and smarter planes to energy-efficient buildings and powerful renewables, innovative advanced materials are enhancing sustainable development. Advanced lightweight materials aren’t just a choice—they're our path to a sustainable future.” — Indira Altynbekova #lightweightmaterials #sustainabledevelopment #advancedmaterials

Did you know that advanced materials play a crucial role in Olympic sports? As we continue our Olympic series, let's explore how these materials enhance performance, safety, and innovation in sports. Here’s how advanced materials are used in javelin, pole vault, and skateboarding 👇 Credit: JEC Group Explore more about the role of advanced materials in sports in the full edition by JEC: Composites in Olympic & Paralympic Sports: https://lnkd.in/e89v4YGv #advancedmaterials #lightweightmaterials #ParisOlympics