ERC launches to accelerate composite reinforcement adoption
The European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA) has announced the launch of the European Rebar Council (ERC), a new alliance established to accelerate the adoption of composite rebar in concrete construction and infrastructure across Europe — with strong UK representation in its leadership team.
The ERC was launched in Brussels on 3 September and brings together manufacturers, research bodies, and design specialists to promote composite rebar as a durable, corrosion-free alternative to steel reinforcement in structural concrete.
Composite rebar — typically made from glass or carbon fibre reinforced polymers (GFRP/CFRP) — delivers high tensile strength, light weight, and excellent durability, offering significant sustainability benefits for marine, bridge, and transport projects where corrosion resistance is critical.
The new Council will focus on four key goals:
- Standardisation and certification – advancing codes and testing procedures to support design confidence.
- Collaboration and knowledge-sharing – connecting suppliers, contractors, and engineers.
- Policy engagement – representing the sector at EU and national levels.
- Education and market development – promoting case studies and awareness of best practice.
“We warmly welcome the European Rebar Council members to EuCIA,” said Roberto Frassine, president of EuCIA. “The emerging market for composite rebar offers huge potential for our industry, supporting the shift towards more sustainable construction practices.”
UK expertise is playing a leading role in shaping the new organisation. Chris Skinner, UK-based vice president of strategic marketing and R&D at Owens Corning, has been elected chair of the alliance. Based in Stafford, England, Skinner has over 20 years’ experience in the European composites industry and is a long-time advocate for the use of fibre-reinforced polymers in infrastructure.
Joining him as vice-chair is Alise Novikova, co-owner of Sheffield-based REBARMAT, a specialist manufacturer of glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebar for concrete structures. Rebarmat is one of the UK’s key innovators in composite reinforcement systems and an early member of the ERC.
“The formation of this Council marks a significant milestone in our journey to make infrastructure across Europe more durable, sustainable and future-ready,” said Chris Skinner. “EuCIA was the obvious home for the European Rebar Council, and I thank both EuCIA and JEC Group for their support in bringing key stakeholders together.”
Four working groups have been formed to address standards and certification, market development, sustainability and circularity, and public policy, with their first progress reports due at the next ERC meeting in October. A dedicated ERC website is scheduled for launch before the end of the year.