During a hearing before the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection, Shane Weyant, President and CEO of Creative Pultrusions – representing the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) – explained how composites are a 21st century solution for 21st century infrastructure.
The hearing was part of the subcommittee's ongoing "Disrupter Series" that presents opportunities for members of the House to learn about emerging technology and their applications in the marketplace.
ACMA's participation in the hearing contributed to its ongoing efforts in Washington, D.C., to give a voice to the more than 3,000 composites manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, end users and academics it represents.
Weyant's testimony outlined that the composites industry has great potential to impact traditional infrastructure and construction markets where legacy materials dominate – holding approximately a 98 percent market share.
"The structural capabilities of composites give these materials the ability to change the 150-plus year standard for building bridges in this country," Weyant said.