Abstract: A web-winding core (1) is disclosed. The core comprises a tabular wall and longitudinal ribs (2) extending radially inward from the wall. It is formed from a fibre reinforced polymeric composite material. The polymeric material is typically anisotropic and has the required strengths in specific directions by design orientation of the reinforcing fibres. It may have reinforcing fibres disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core, fibres disposed within the longitudinal ribs, fibres substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core and/or fibres disposed at least one angle other than 90° to the longitudinal axis of the core. The reinforcing fibres may include one or more of glass, carbon, aromatic polyamide such as Aramid, other polymeric, natural (of vegetable origin) and/or metallic fibres.