As AMI Plastics World Expos 2026 approaches, we’re catching up with the companies preparing to showcase their latest technologies, materials and solutions in Cleveland. 

In this exhibitor spotlight, Douglas Mandic, Chief Commercial Officer at Vartega, shares how the company is making carbon-fiber-filled injection molding more practical and affordable, its latest developments in chemical recycling, and where he sees the composites industry heading over the next decade. 

What makes your company stand out? What sets you apart from the competition, and why should visitors make sure to visit your stand? 

Vartega makes carbon-fiber-filled injection molding more practical and affordable. We recycle carbon fiber at scale into a format designed for ease of use in thermoplastic compounding, maintaining 100% of the mechanical properties of virgin carbon fiber at half the cost and 99% less CO2 emissions. 

What’s the next big thing you’re working on? Can you give us a sneak peek into any new technologies, innovations, or breakthroughs you're bringing to the market? 

We're scaling up our chemical recycling (solvolysis) processes to recover carbon fiber (and epoxy) from uncured prepreg fabric scrap from the aerospace industry, and expanding this work into recyclable thermoset resin systems to be able to recycle post-consumer thermoset composites. 

What’s the biggest challenge in the industry right now – and how are you tackling it? Whether it's sustainability, supply chain issues, or something else, we’d love to hear your take! 

One of our biggest challenges is uncertainty in demand given disruptions in the global macropolitical landscape. We're responding by growing our customer base and expanding into other vertical markets. 

Fast forward 10 years - how do you see the industry evolving? What major trends do you think will reshape the sector, and how should businesses prepare? 

High performing thermoplastic composites will continue to grow their footprint in automotive, white goods, industrial products, and consumer products, displacing metal components and assemblies. 

What excites you most about this year’s expo? Are you launching something new, speaking at a session, or just looking forward to networking with industry leaders? 

It's always great to catch up in person with our growing network of industry partners. 

Meet Vartega at AMI Plastics World Expos 2026 

Meet Vartega at Booth C1320 at AMI Plastics World Expos, taking place November 11–12, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Discover Vartega’s recycled carbon fiber solutions and connect with Douglas and the team in person alongside 300+ exhibitors from across the plastics value chain. 

Registration is free. 

Register free to attend