What happens when two industry leaders unite for a greener future? Dive into Owens Corning and PRAANA Group's transformative journey in composites

During the recent JEC WORLD 2025 exhibition, Chris Skinner shared insights into Owens Corning Composites' sustainability initiatives and the strategic merger with the PRAANA Group.

Sustainability Activities and Solutions

Chris Skinner emphasized Owens Corning's commitment to transforming the composites industry through sustainability. Key initiatives include:

Renewable Energy: Owens Corning has transitioned its European melting operations to renewable energy sources, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of fiberglass production.

Circularity: The company has introduced the SUSTAINA® LOOP, a process that incorporates post-industrial waste and end-of-life composites back into their furnaces, promoting a circular economy.

Hydrogen Gas: In 2024, Owens Corning successfully operated its facility in France using hydrogen gas, achieving a 95% reduction in CO2 emissions from the furnace.

Chris Skinner's Roles and Contributions

Chris Skinner wears many hats within the industry, contributing to various initiatives:

Women in Composites: He actively supports diversity, including gender, culture, and religion, to foster better decision-making and innovation.

Startups: Chris invests in the startup booster at JEC, bringing fresh perspectives and new talent into the composites industry.

Board Member at JEC: He helps shape the future of composites, driving relevance and impact across the organization.

Merger with PRAANA Group

The merger of Owens Corning Composites with the PRAANA Group, an Indian organization committed to growth and sustainability, is a strategic move to enhance sustainability efforts. Chris Skinner highlighted three valid arguments for the merger:

Investment in Growth: PRAANA's commitment to investing in the composites business will drive innovation and expansion, supporting sustainable practices.

Shared Values: Both organizations prioritize sustainability, ensuring that the merged entity will continue to focus on reducing environmental impact.

Global Reach: The merger expands Owens Corning's footprint beyond North America and Europe, leveraging PRAANA's presence in India to promote sustainable composites globally.

Chris Skinner's vision and leadership are instrumental in advancing Owens Corning Composites' sustainability goals and fostering a diverse and innovative industry.

Now watch the Interview with Chris Skinner, VP of Marke

YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/jNsLIaVoUzI

Imagine a world where high-performance composites are not only innovative but also eco-friendly. Learn how Biesterfeld Group, one of the world's leading distribution and service companies in the field of plastics, rubber and specialty chemicals, is making this vision a reality

During the JEC World 2025, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Johannes Martin, Market Manager Composites and Tooling at Biesterfeld.

Our conversation explored the latest advancements in the composites industry, focusing on innovation, technology, and sustainability.

Innovation: Johannes highlighted Biesterfeld's commitment to innovation, showcasing their broad product portfolio including high-strength fibers and formulated resin systems from long-standing and renowned partners. These materials are designed to meet the evolving demands of industries such as aerospace and automotive, offering enhanced performance and durability. A standout innovation is the use of Kraibon, a rubber elastomer from Gummiwerk KRAIBURG GmbH & Co. KG, which integrates with composite parts to provide superior sound dampening.

Technology: Biesterfeld is at the forefront of technological advancements, representing a range of state-of-the-art products as well as providing superior technical application services and manufacturing process support. Johannes discussed their collaboration with Roboze and the investment in the Argo 1000, the world's largest pellet extruder for high-performance polymers. This technology enables on-demand production of complex, high-performance parts, reducing the need for traditional tooling and lowering costs.

Sustainability: Sustainability is a core pillar of Biesterfeld's strategy. Johannes outlined their support of initiatives to reduce environmental impact through sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly production methods. The distribution of ExxonMobil Proxxima™ Polyolefin Thermoset Resin Systems™, a polyolefin-based thermoset resin from ExxonMobil, exemplifies their commitment to sustainability. Proxxima offers recyclability and a low CO2 footprint, providing an end-of-life solution for the industry.

Demo area at the booth: In a separate segment, Stig Eines, Head
of Sales at Biesterfeld Norge AS, shared insights into the future of composites. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving the industry forward. Stig highlighted several projects from Biesterfeld’s partners worldwide, that are focused on developing sustainable solutions and integrating advanced technologies, underscoring the need for continuous improvement to meet the growing demands for eco-friendly and high-performance composites. See for example the carbonfibre rim from South Africa.

YouTube Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfyUjDeqY5Q

Are you ready to dive into the world of cutting-edge composite technology? Join us as we explore the innovative advancements of Compo Tech PLUS, a leader in the field since 1995.

In my exclusive interview with Dr. Humphrey Carter, discover how their proprietary 6-axis filament winding process is transforming industries from aerospace to industrial automation. Learn how Compo Tech's commitment to sustainability and performance is setting new standards in composite manufacturing.

At JEC World 2025, Dr. Humphrey Carter from Compo Tech Plus, a Czech manufacturer shared insights into the company's groundbreaking advancements in composite technology during our Composites Lounge's #Composites360OnTour.

Established in 1995, Compo Tech has developed proprietary filament winding technology, including a unique six-axis filament winding process. This innovation allows for true zero-degree axial placement, optimizing structural performance and reducing material usage.

Key Highlights:

Innovation:
Compo Tech's six-axis filament winding technology is a game-changer, enabling the creation of robust composite structures with enhanced performance and reduced weight. This technology is applied across various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, marine, and industrial automation.

Technology:
The company's proprietary winding and placement technology is used to manufacture high-performance composite parts, replacing traditional steel and aluminum components. This results in lighter, more efficient structures that improve overall machine performance and reduce energy consumption.

Sustainability:
Compo Tech's processes contribute to sustainability by extending the lifetime of parts, reducing material usage, and lowering energy consumption in industrial applications. Their innovative solutions offer cost-effective and efficient ways to enhance the durability and performance of composite structures.

Dr. Carter emphasized the importance of balancing performance and cost-effectiveness in composite manufacturing. Compo Tech's approach involves close collaboration with engineers to develop alternative products that outperform traditional materials, offering significant improvements in efficiency and lifetime costs.

Compo Tech Plus continues to lead the way in composite technology, providing complete solutions to customers, from development to production, with their proprietary six-axis winding platform and software.

Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation in this LinkedIn video that promises to reshape your understanding of what's possible with composites.

Why watch the video to the end? See many illustrations of parts and the machine itself!

Join us for the Composites Lounge Engineering Talks (CLET), an online platform streaming live on LinkedIn and YouTube, also available as podcasts.

The talks cover the entire value chain within the composites industry, including raw materials, substrates, and components supplying to OEMs.

Hosted by Ilkay Özkisaoglu, the talks provide insights from events and corporates across Europe.

Our next CLET will be streamed live right here on LinkedIn and over at my Youtube channel on 10 April 2025 from 11am to 12.30pm

We will run through the following topics during our livestream:

Car Manufacturing: Composite solutions for the Car Factory: Dr Humphrey Carter (Compo Tech PLUS)
Electric Cars and new Composite Solutions: Dr. Kai Fischer (AZL Aachen GmbH | Excellence in Lightweight Production)
Automotive comfort: Acoustic and sound absorption with Kraibon, Dr. Johannes Martin (Biesterfeld Group)
Automotive Composites Components Process Optimization: Dr. Alexander Chaloupka and Arne Büttner (sensXPERT - Optimizing Plastics Manufacturing)
and last, but not least Composites for Classic Cars with David Lale (PRF Composite Materials)

Stay informed, connected, and inspired with CLET, #Composites360onTour and the Composites Lounge Enduser Panels.

CREATING
SUSTAINABLE
VALUE

Imagine a world where cutting-edge technology meets sustainability— PRF Composite Materials is making it a reality. 🌍💡

Welcome to Composites Lounge's first stop at JEC World 2025! 

On the first day of our #Composites360OnTour, we had an insightful conversation with Vincent Fawcett from PRF Composite Materials (UK) about their innovative approaches in the composites industry.

Innovation & Technology:
PRF, established in 1982, has evolved into a leading pre-preg manufacturer with a unique end-to-end solution. They have heavily invested (£7 million since 2018) in infrastructure, including two woven pre-preg lines, a unidirectional pre-preg line, and a pilot line for R&D. Their advanced capabilities in cutting, kitting, and preforming set them apart in the industry.

Sustainability:
Sustainability is at the heart of PRF's operations. They have partnered with Gen2 Carbon to develop a recycled fiber pre-preg, aiming for a low energy cost per part model.

PRF has also established a circularity model, collecting waste from their production and customers, processing it back into recycled mats, and turning it into pre-preg. This closed-loop system supports waste management and promotes sustainable practices.

Market Sectors:
PRF serves diverse sectors, including medical, aerospace, defense, automotive, and marine. Their innovative solutions, such as a recycled fiber pre-preg that quadruples cutting and preforming capability, address specific customer needs and enhance production efficiency.

Listen to the many usecases and applications Vincent relays to our community in this video.
Join us in celebrating these advancements and the commitment to a sustainable future.
Have you joined the reception drink at Composites UK - Trade Association, sponsored by PRF?

Cheers to innovation and sustainability! 🥂

Join our restream of our Composites Lounge Enduser Panel powered by JEC Group on The EVTOL Show in Stuttgart.

This is the recorded and edited panel, which we turned into a special edition of an Composites Lounge Engineering Talk No 4: eVTOL Special Edition.

***

The Composites Lounge Enduser Panel powered by JEC is on materials designed for the advanced air mobility (AAM).

We will review the process of selecting, testing and validating modern lightweight materials, like carbon and other composites with material and system suppliers as well as an AI company involved in process optimization.
We will bring you the big picture on "the requirements for fiber-reinforced composites in eVTOLs."

***

Our panel guests are:

Christian Heller, Owner of CH Aerospace
Simon Bendrey, Head of Design at Dufour Aerospace
Víctor Jiménez, BDM of Biesterfeld Group
Nicholas Ecke, Application Engineer at sensXPERT - Optimizing Plastics Manufacturing
Steffen Kress, BDM of Mubea Aviation

***

The Panel is divided into three sections and covers the following questions:

1️⃣. Development

Where do we start from prototype to serial production of eVTOLs?
What are the key benefits of carbon in eVTOL?
What challenges do eVTOL producers face?
AI needs data sets: How do you rate the amount of eVTOL production data?
During development, do eVTOLs evolve more like cars or aircraft?

2️⃣. Material

Which material to choose in which developmental phase?
Why is the interaction between the different materials so crucial?
How to increase passenger comfort while maintaining safety of the eVTOL?
Cutting cycle times: how can AI assist in this?
Besides the classical composites matrices thermoplast and thermosets, what about elastomers?
Are thermoplastic composites the go-to material for eVTOLs?

3️⃣. Process Optimization

How do you reduce downtime as an eVTOL (aerospace) OEM?
How to bring eVTOL start-up cost down in terms of composites' use?
What factors should be considered when adapting automotive process technologies for eVTOL manufacturing?

Your Panel Host: Ilkay Özkisaoglu, Co-Founder Composites Lounge
Your Relationship Manager and Co-Pilot: Yannick Willemin - The Composites Catalyst, Catalysium

Composites Lounge conducts with its format Hashtag#Composites360onTour
in partnership with the JEC Group during JEC World 2025 further interviews on Innovation, Technology & Sustainability

Please visit the JEC World 2025 exhibitors on their stand:

sensXPERT JEC World 2025 Hall 6, Booth Q24
Biesterfeld SE JEC World 2025 Hall 6, Booth K16
Mubea Aviation JEC World 2025 Hall 6, Booth P24
Composites Lounge JEC World 2025, Hall 6 Mezzanine, PRESS CLUB

Moreover, Composites Lounge is covering the entire show and we have a few slots left for your spotlight with a video podcast interview. Contact us!

Please press the register button now for this online stream. It is FREE to attend.

Hashtag#LinkedinLive Hashtag#Composites360OnTour

🌐🔗Visit Our Website:
▶Website 1: https://www.dersocialceo.com
▶Website 2: https://www.compositeslounge.com
▶Website 3: https://www.imbeo.de
▶Website 4: https://www.contentcreatorclub.de

🌐🔗Follow Us: LinkedIn
▶ / imbeo 
▶ / content-creator-club 
▶ / compositeslounge 
▶ / der-social-ceo 

#️⃣🔥Hashtag:
#Composites360OnTour #JECWorld #IlkayÖzkisaoglu #JECWorld #CompositeIndustry

Pushing the Limits: under this slogan JEC World 2025 will be opening its doors on March 4, 2025 in Villepinte (Paris, France) and there are many premieres this year.

We will be talking about the news, topics and the program with the CEO of the JEC Group Eric Pierrejean and the showdirector Thomas Lepretre.

This year again JEC World will be "connecting the world through composites". It is a massive gathering and growing each year.

With this warm-up, we will be giving you guidance in some depth. It would go far beyond this live talk to explain you everything, but we promise you to introduce you the support tools to make JEC World 2025 your networking event of the year.

In the second part I have invited select exhibitors and composites experts and introduce them to you.

Chris Skinner of Owens Corning is a traditional exhibitor for many decades, whereas sensXPERT - Optimizing Plastics Manufacturing is an AI corporate venture of the NETZSCH Group and Dominik Riescher will give you some insights as to why JEC World is essential for their business growth. Last, but not least we will have Dr. Johannes Martin, Composites Market Manager of Biesterfeld Group among us, who is a first time exhibitor and we will be curious to know, what exciting topics they will be showing to the public. Finally, we have Vincent Fawcett of PRF Composite Materials and Humphrey Carter of Compo Tech PLUS in our round for some fascinating composite solutions that are truly pushing the limits.

There are many more in our ecosystem, that I will be introducing you prior, during and after JEC WORLD with our Composites Lounge format Hashtag#Composites360onTour soon.

Press the participate button below the cover picture, so you do not miss this replay (original live been broadcasted at 11am (CET) over on Ilkay Özkisaoglu's channel). Looking forward meeting you on 13 Feb 2025 remotely here on LinkedIn and later in Paris in person CREATING SUSTAINABLE VALUE!

YouTube Episode: https://www.youtube.com/live/IiYp8xsFzpk

Welcome to our 3rd edition of the Composites Lounge Engineering Talks (CLET). This edition is all about requirements on composite materials for the sporting goods industry, including carbon bikes, hockey sticks and the like.

This episode is brought to you by our CLET Premium Partner: sensXPERT - Optimizing Plastics Manufacturing represented by Arne Büttner, Sales Engineer and polymer expert.

Select experts from academia, like Prof. Dr.-Ing. Marc Siebert, consulting Yannick Willemin - The Composites Catalyst and OEMs like Sven Terhardt and Jan Philipp Hollmann, both representing igus GmbH, a major name in plastics.

These are some of our topics discussed:

1. why are composites so important in the sports industry?
2. what challenges are there in the manufacture of composite sporting goods? 3. how can cycle times be reduced in the production of sporting goods?
4. in which sports areas are the greatest potential for composites and smart manufacturing technologies?
5. what role does sustainability play in composite production for the sports industry? 

In conclusion:

Faster production cycles thanks to adaptive process control Increased process reliability through real-time monitoring Reduced material and energy consumption, which lowers costs and environmental impact Process Transparency and quality control Better reproducibility for consistently high quality were demonstrated. 

A best practice is the full plastics bike invented by IGUS GmbH, in which Sven and Jan are showing us with great behind-the-scenes material. Please leave your questions and comments below and our panel will answer those by tomorrow. 

Get in touch with Ilkay, if you consider joining our mission of CREATINGS SUSTAINABLE VALUE.

Our three formats are 

1. Composites Lounge Engineering Talks (monthly LinkedIn Live Video and Podcast about enduse applicatons) 
2. #Composites360OnTour (soon at JEC World 2025, save your spotlight slot) 3. Composites Lounge Enduser Panels powered by JEC (our contribution at subject matter exhibitions, conferences, shows, venues, events covering the entire value chain, from raw material, components to the Enduser)


Happy networking
Ilkay Özkisaoglu
Co-Founder Composites Lounge
and DER Social CEO


PS: Save-the-Date on our CLET automotive edition, which will take place on 10 April 2025

Gleich zu Beginn des Jahres 2025 wird nicht nur die weltgrößte BAU Messe in München veranstaltet, sondern auch wir tragen mit den Composites Lounge Engineering Talks (CLET), Ausgabe 2, zum innovativen und nachhaltigen Fortschritt im Bau- und Infrastruktur Sektor mit KnowHow zu Faserverbundwerkstoffen bei. 
 
Best Practices und Erfahrungsberichte von Endanwendern, Herstellern und Dienstleistern stehen bei den CLETs dabei im Vordergrund. 
 
Am 16.1.2025 darf ich Dr. Alexander Chaloupka, dem CEO/CTO von sensXPERT - Optimizing Plastics Manufacturing begrüßen, welche auch die erste Staffel der CLETs präsentiert. 
 
Mit seinem Geschäftspartner Kai Diecks von der SAERTEX multiCom Group sprechen wir in der ersten Hälfte unserer Live-Talkrunde über die grabenlose Kanalsanierung, aka 
#CIPP (cured-in-pipe-place) und wie die Qualität im Untergrund berührungslos mittels künstlicher Intelligenz sichergestellt wird. Eine sehr herausfordernde Aufgabe, denn sind die Abwasserrohre einmal rehabilitiert, sollten diese viele Dekaden ihren Dienst auch weiter für die Haushalte und das Gewerbe leisten. 
 
Im zweiten Teil unseres Talks eine absolut spannende Anwendung: auch hier geht es um Rohre. Allerdings sind diese entlang des bundesdeutschen Schienennetzes verlegt und enden in einem Schacht, der einen Deckel hat. 
 
Warum gerade dieser Deckel mit Faserverbundwerkstoffen seitens Klaus Köhler Beton- und Fertigteilwerk GmbH angefertigt wird, das wird uns Lars Lehmann, der Geschäftsführer aus erster Hand berichten. Zur Matrix und deren Besonderheiten im Bau werde ich Leif Ole Meyer von Olin löchern. Warum gerade Pultrusion hier als Verfahren am besten abschneidet, das wird mein Composites Lounge Partner und Co-Founder Oliver Kipf, der auch der Inhaber der CG TEC GmbH I Carbonscout Onlineshop ist erläutern. 
 
Da Composites aber auch weitere interessante Ansätze im Bau liefern habe ich Roy Thyroff gebeten während der BAU Messe als Geschäftsführer rothycon CARBON BEWEHRUNG und CU Bau, eine Division der Composites United eine Präsentation für diese CLET vorzubereiten. 
 
Ihr werdet unglaubliche Lösungen sehen, die bis vor wenigen Jahren nicht vorstellbar waren. 
 
Selbstverständlich ist der BAU und die INFRASTRUKTUR auch in der Bundesrepublik stark reglementiert. Das nehme ich zum Anlass mit unseren Panelisten diese Herausforderung (immenser Aufwand, Dickicht an Regeln ...) zu durchleuchten und deren Meinung abzufragen. 
 
Meinungen sind da, um diskutiert zu werden. Deshalb sind wir auch an Deiner und der Meinung der Community interessiert. 
 
Wir freuen uns auf das Wiedersehen mit Dir im neuen Jahr!