Avient Corporation, an innovator of materials solutions has joined forces with ReForm Composites Engineering, a company specializing in engineering and manufacturing continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) composite solutions, to push the boundaries of thermoplastic composite adoption in the construction sector. The partnership leverages ReForm s patented Continuous Forming Machine (CFM) technology, an advanced thermoplastic pultrusion process that enables curved, complex, and multi-geometry CFRTP profiles. This innovation marks a shift from conventional straight-profile pultrusion, paving the way for lighter, corrosion-resistant, and more versatile composite reinforcements in next-generation concrete infrastructure.

ReForm processes CFRTP laminate materials into continuous profiles with its patented Continuous Forming Machine (CFM), a thermoplastic pultrusion technology. By integrating in-line thermoforming, the CFM enables curves, complex shapes, and multi-geometry designs, surpassing traditional pultrusion technology, which is typically limited to producing straight profiles. Building on these capabilities, ReForm is advancing CFRTP applications that leverage the material s lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties to support the next generation of concrete infrastructure.

A recent success for ReForm is The PolyDowel , a CFRTP dowel for flat slab concrete construction, that was produced by ReForm using its CFM and Polystrand Continuous Fiberglass Reinforced Thermoplastic Laminates from Avient. The thermoplastic laminates are precision-cut to specific widths by Avient to enable a seamless manufacturing process and minimize scrap. The resulting thermoplastic dowels provide excellent durability and corrosion resistance to improve concrete joint performance compared to traditional steel alternatives.

The first demonstrator installation of The PolyDowel was completed in early 2025 as part of a high-traffic entertainment infrastructure project, validating its field performance. The PolyDowel has also been installed in Port St. Lucie, Fla., at the Mattamy Homes Heart of Tradition plaza, home to the iconic Heart in the Park, the world s tallest heart sculpture. 

Construction has traditionally faced challenges adopting composites due to cost sensitivities for building projects, said Cody Sheltra, Chief Executive Officer of ReForm. Through our collaboration with Avient, we have delivered a cost-effective solution that brings the performance of advanced composites to concrete reinforcement, helping accelerate adoption in this market.  

Collaborating with ReForm marks a significant advancement in bringing thermoplastic composite solutions to concrete reinforcement applications, said Brad Schmidt, General Manager of Advanced Composites at Avient. Their cutting-edge manufacturing process and material design expertise are redefining concrete reinforcement, and we are excited to be a part of this innovation.