- In February 2025, Owens Corning completed the sale of its glass fiber reinforcements business to Praana Group for USD 755 million. Alongside the acquisition, Praana Group announced its focus on boosting operational efficiency within the glass fiber sector to meet the rising global demand for clean energy solutions. This strategic move is expected to strengthen Praana Group's position in the advanced materials market
- In September 2024, Hexcel Corporation unveiled its latest HexForce 1K woven reinforcement fabric, engineered with the company’s proprietary HexTow AS4C 1K carbon fiber. This ultra-lightweight fabric is designed to deliver high strength and durability for applications across sports equipment, such as golf shafts and hockey sticks, as well as automotive components. The innovation underscores Hexcel's commitment to expanding its lightweight composite materials portfolio
- In January 2023, Asahi Kasei introduced an innovative carbon fiber recycling technology that enables the efficient recovery and reuse of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic unidirectional tapes (CFRTP-UD tapes). This breakthrough addresses the growing environmental concerns associated with carbon fiber waste, while promoting sustainability and reducing production costs for industries such as automotive and aerospace. The development marks a key step toward a circular economy in high-performance materials
- In May 2021, Teijin Carbon Europe launched a new polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)-based carbon fiber thermoplastic unidirectional pre-impregnated tape (TPUD), named Tenax TPUD. The product offers advantages such as chemical resistance, low flammability, recyclability, and storage at room temperature, making it ideal for interior applications in aircraft and rail carriages. The introduction of Tenax TPUD reflects Teijin's focus on entering new, cost-sensitive markets with advanced composite solutions
- In September 2020, Jiangsu Hansu announced the release of its new line of unidirectional composite tapes manufactured using continuous carbon fiber and SABIC’s ULTEM 1000F3SP powder. Designed for high-performance aerospace components such as seat frames and baggage compartments, these tapes provide a lightweight, sustainable alternative to metal, supporting the aviation industry's goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact
