Composites at the Heart of Challenges: focus on defense
Composites: drivers of performance and sustainability – Jérémy Guivarc’h interviewed on BFM Business
Composite materials now play a central role in the transformation of industrial sectors. Their lightness, strength, and adaptability are opening up new possibilities for aerospace, mobility, and defense.
As a guest on Raphaëlle Duchemin's show “Les Composites au cœur des enjeux” (Composites at the heart of the issues) on BFM Business, Jérémy Guivarc'h, EVP R&D at Clayens, discussed these developments and the company's contribution to this major transition.
Materials for industrial performance
Composites are now gradually replacing metal in many applications. Lighter and just as strong, they offer better mechanical performance while enabling high production rates - a key advantage in sectors where responsiveness has become strategic, such as defense.
“The idea is to have high-performance, lightweight alternatives that are, above all, capable of keeping up with very fast production rates.” explains Jérémy Guivarc’h.
This ability to adapt is particularly valuable in a context where customer demand is changing rapidly, particularly in the defense sector, which has entered a “war economy” mindset.
In response to these needs, Clayens supports its customers—equipment manufacturers, contractors, and integrators—in identifying the right material, the right process, and the most competitive solution for each application.
Removing barriers to material innovation
While the advantages of composites are well established, their widespread adoption still faces certain industrial obstacles.
Clayens teams therefore work closely with their customers to facilitate the integration of these new materials, contributing their technical expertise and process know-how.
“We are faced with deeply ingrained habits among certain contractors who are accustomed to traditional materials. Our role is to support them in this transition and prove the reliability and competitiveness of composite solutions.”
In the defense sector, composites are now used in a wide range of applications: hoods, infantry equipment, land vehicle and aircraft systems, air intakes, and under-hood components.
These materials offer greater lightness and functionality while meeting the robustness and durability requirements specific to these demanding environments.
This diversification extends far beyond defense: aeronautics, mobility, energy, industry... composites are now ubiquitous in value chains where performance and sustainability go hand in hand.
A responsible and sustainable approach
The transformation of materials goes hand in hand with growing demands for sustainability.
Clayens is committed to offering eco-designed and recyclable solutions, while ensuring that its production is as environmentally friendly as possible, regardless of the sector concerned.
“As an industrial company, we ensure that our production is responsible. The defense sector is no exception.”, explains Jérémy Guivarc’h.
This commitment reflects the group's desire to integrate environmental issues from the design stage onwards, in order to support its customers in moving towards a cleaner and more resilient industry.
Heading for JEC World 2026
In line with this momentum, Clayens will be present at the JEC World 2026 trade show from March 10 to 12 (booth 6N06).
A true global benchmark in the sector, this event will bring together the main players in the composites industry to showcase the latest innovations.
It will be an opportunity for Clayens to showcase its technological advances, share its experience, and reaffirm its role as a European leader in polymer and metal processing, serving a more sustainable and efficient industry.
