BY: JESSICA GUTMAN
The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA), the world’s largest composites industry trade organization, hosted its Composites Recycling Conference at the Hilton Knoxville from April 10 – 12. Session topics ranged from “Properties of Recycled Fibers” to “Re-purposing Aerospace Production Scrap.”
The event brought experts from the U.S. and around the world together to discuss the most relevant technology and business developments making composites recycling a reality. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with an international network of businesses and industry stakeholders and see the latest recycled composites products.
In addition, the conference allowed composites companies to explore the development of a self-sustaining composites recycling industry and learn how to reduce scrap and increase productivity to improve their bottom lines.
Guests from across the country also toured the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) lab at the University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, and Local Motors’ micro-factory in Hardin Valley.
“If you look at the total supply chain in the composites sector, recyclers were one of the missing links in the Knoxville region,” said Doug Lawyer, vice president of economic development for the Knoxville Chamber. “That’s why it was so important, and we were so excited, that ACMA chose to host the Composites Recycling Conference in our city.”
Composites Coalition, the statewide initiative working to raise international awareness of Tennessee’s composites-related assets and opportunities, partnered with ACMA on this significant industry event.