HI!-PLASTICS Seminar Convenes Industry Leaders in Valencia to Address Advanced Plastic Materials and Sustainability
Advanced plastic materials serve as key enabling technologies for industrial autonomy, sustainability, and competitiveness across strategic sectors, according to findings from the inaugural HI!-PLASTICS seminar. Organized by AIMPLAS, Plastics Technology Centre, and sponsored by Plasmatreat and Pinfa, the two-day international event brought specialists together at AIMPLAS in Valencia, Spain, to analyze developments in composite materials, fire resistance, advanced manufacturing, and surface functionalization.
The seminar addressed applications across automotive, construction, energy, aeronautics, the naval sector, electronics, and dual-use technologies. The in-person event ran from October 6 to October 7, 2026, drawing industry leaders, technical centers, and innovators to examine lightweight, resistant, and sustainable solutions.
Industrial Adoption and Thermoplastic Composites
The first block of the seminar focused on advanced and structural composite materials, highlighting a growing industry shift toward thermoplastic composites over traditional thermoset solutions. According to presentations at the event, this transition is driven by faster manufacturing processes, material weldability, and enhanced potential for reuse and recyclability. Sessions also examined high-performance thermoplastic matrices for structural applications in demanding environments alongside self-reinforced polymers that combine lightweight design with mechanical performance.
Regulatory Challenges and Fire Safety Innovations
Fire resistance and regulatory compliance formed another major focus, particularly regarding electric mobility and building construction. Discussions covered vehicle electrification and energy storage systems, where integration demands stringent safety requirements for thermoplastic and thermoset components. In construction, presentations introduced reactive flame retardants incorporated directly into building insulation materials to improve durability and sustainability. Furthermore, sessions analyzed the growing importance of smoke emission control within the European fire reaction classification.
Hydrogen Storage and Dual-Use Technologies
The second day addressed energy systems and dual-use technologies, emphasizing the hydrogen economy. Presentations detailed how advanced composite materials improve the efficiency and safety of hydrogen storage tanks and transport components.
Functional Coatings and Plasma Surface Modification
The seminar concluded with a review of functional solutions for tailoring the spectral response of surfaces through the use of functional pigments—a technology of interest for applications requiring control of the interaction of materials with different ranges of electromagnetic radiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did the HI!-PLASTICS seminar take place?
The first edition of the HI!-PLASTICS international seminar took place from October 6 to October 7, 2026, at the facilities of AIMPLAS in Valencia, Spain.
Who organized and sponsored the event?
The seminar was organized by AIMPLAS, Plastics Technology Centre, with sponsorship from Plasmatreat and Pinfa, and featured an AEMAC session on composite trends.
What specific industrial sectors were covered during the seminar?
The event covered multiple high-demand fields, including the automotive, construction, energy, aeronautics, the naval sector, electronics, and dual-use technologies.
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