Automotive giants turn to bioplastics worldwide

Manufacturers certainly interested to lightweight and cost-efficient materials those can further reduce the environmental burden

Although attracted initially by environmental benefits, car makers and their suppliers are also asking what added functionality they can get from non-compostable, bio-based materials. One advantage is of course lighter, more cost-effective vehicles. A rule-of-thumb is that 5% less weight means average fuel savings of 3%, according to industry association Plastics Europe.

However, weight advantages are not assured. Some ‘classic’ bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA) have a higher density than their petroleum-based counterparts, the Belgium-based European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) told European Plastics News.

… Full text: www.europeanplasticsnews.com/subscriber/newscat2.html?cat=1&channel=100&id=1759

Tags: soy-based, plant derived, lightweiht, cost-efficient, seat foams, natural fibre-reinforced

Source

European Plastics News, 2012-07-31.

Supplier

Cereplast Inc.
DuPont
European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA)
Fiat Group Automobiles Germany AG
Ford Motor Company
Mazda Motor Corporation
NNFCC
Plastics Europe
Toyota

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