Trade association Composites Germany has released the results of its fourth six month survey on developments in composites, which indicate respondents see the current economic situation as positive despite a slight dip from the previous survey.
Composites Germany has been gathering information on developments in composites since 2013 and bases its results on a member survey conducted by European plastics trade associations, including Germany's VDMA and Carbon Composites e.V.
The association states that about 90 percent of respondents believe that the economic situation will be the same or even better in the relevant regions (Germany, Europe and worldwide) over the next six months. The situation is currently seen as particularly critical in Europe, whereas it is generally rated as better for Germany and on a global scale.
Nearly 30 percent of respondents are planning to recruit new staff in 2015, compared with only 10 percent who are planning to downsize their workforce, says Composites Germany.
The association highlights that nearly half of all correspondents say that they are hoping to step up their commitment to composites, with 48 percent stating they will be more committed to composites.
Composites Germany states that, looking to future growth drivers on the material side, nearly half of all respondents specified CFP (carbon-fiber reinforced plastics), with Germany and Asia viewed as the driving regions. The automotive and aviation industries are expected to display the most positive development, followed by wind energy.
The association says its next composites market survey will be published in July 2015.