The automotive industry, one of the cornerstones of the global economy, faces a critical challenge: its impact on the environment. Vehicle production generates a significant amount of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. In recent years, plastics have proven to be versatile and efficient materials, offering lighter, safer and more sustainable solutions for automotive manufacturing.
Until a few years ago, plastics made up 50% of a car's volume, but surprisingly, they only accounted for 10% of its total weight. Due to the integration of innovative techniques and materials, such as certain types of plastics, vehicle design and manufacturing is being revolutionized, offering a number of key benefits.
Benefits of Plastics in the Automotive Industry
High-performance plastics are revolutionizing the automotive industry by offering multiple advantages. Their light weight reduces the weight of vehicles, thereby reducing fuel consumption and polluting emissions. They also enable more innovative and aerodynamic designs, improving the aesthetics and efficiency of automobiles.
In terms of safety and comfort, plastics offer safer components, both inside and outside. Their durability and corrosion resistance extend the useful life of vehicles, while their lower production cost makes them an attractive option for manufacturers.
Multinational companies such as Covestro, a polymer manufacturer, is at the forefront of this transformation, offering a wide range of plastic solutions for various automotive applications, from interior and exterior components to headlamps and lights. It is even exploring innovation in tire recycling, transforming tires from waste into a new raw material for plastic products.
Towards a more sustainable future
The industry is taking a step further by incorporating recycled plastics into the manufacture of automobiles. Through chemical recycling processes, materials such as used tires are transformed into new, high-quality plastic products, which are then used in components such as headlights and grilles.
This initiative not only reduces the industry's carbon footprint, but also drives innovation and creates a more sustainable future for all. Covestro, in partnership with Neste and Borealis, are driving this innovative practice, promoting the circular economy in the plastics and automotive industry.
The adoption of recycled materials not only reduces environmental impact, but also boosts competitiveness in the industry. It is estimated that by 2030 the use of lighter plastics in the automotive industry could save more than 5 billion gallons of fuel annually.
High-performance plastics are playing a key role in transforming the automotive industry, making it more efficient, safer and environmentally friendly. As we move toward a more sustainable future, it is clear that plastics will be a key component in building lower carbon footprint and durable vehicles.