Plastics and automotive - From today to tomorrow

In the first part , we have seen how plastics have gradually made their way, often with some difficulty, into motor vehicles. An analysis of current problems and trends should help to clarify future developments in this field.

Despite the often justified criticisms that can be levelled at the automobile, it looks set to remain an indispensable industrial object in our civilization for some time to come. This is why the chemical and plastics industries continue to show great interest in this sector. The stakes are high, since 65% of the technical parts produced by the plastics industry are destined for the automotive industry, and, over and above the economic aspect, represent a showcase for the know-how of the sector's manufacturers.

Today, all automotive sectors are more or less users of plastic solutions. Vehicle interiors have been conquered for a long time, and developments in this sector tend to involve a battle between plastic materials. Developments are continuing in other sectors as technical requirements become increasingly stringent.

The fight against the observed increase in vehicle weight can be seen as an opportunity to increase the share of plastics and composites. Technical innovations that take better account of safety issues in the event of a vehicle/pedestrian impact may also encourage the use of plastics. But the integration of functions is undoubtedly their greatest asset.

Improved materials, processing methods and the design of parts and sub-assemblies are the prerequisites for the widespread use of plastics and composites. A careful study of the conditions for industrialization, which must meet the requirements of the automotive sector – large production runs, high production rates and low costs – is necessary. Increasingly close cooperation between carmakers, major chemical groups and equipment manufacturers should enable future developments in plastics for the automotive industry.

Increased attention to end-of-life vehicles is leading to the recycling of plastic parts. The use of such parts will only be maintained if their end-of-life recovery is planned and developed.

A few examples of applications currently under development give us an idea of the future uses of plastics in the automotive industry.