Jan 08/25
3 Ways Automotive Plastics Drive Innovation
According to data from Spherical Insights, the automotive industry is expected to exceed $6.861 trillion by 2033, up from $3.565 trillion in 2023.
The automotive industry grows and changes incredibly quickly. Innovative advancements pave the way for new possibilities, and for automotive companies, knowing about the latest trends is crucial for staying ahead of the competition.
In this guide, we’ll look at how automotive plastics continue to drive innovation in today’s world. Keep reading for more.
1. Automotive Plastics Put Safety First
One of the most important considerations for car manufacturing materials is safety, and modern plastics are ideal for this. For example, an article from Save Plastic CA (via LinkedIn) states that side plastic airbags can reduce the risk of death in a crash by 50%.
When looking at the potential of crashes, automobile manufacturers think about predicting what will happen. Plastics can be designed to absorb energy which helps protect both passengers and pedestrians on the road.
There are various automobile plastic applications that help improve safety. Another example is the use of plastic roofs to lower the center of gravity. The result here is better stability so there’s less risk of a car tipping or rolling over.
2. Weight Reduction for Efficiency and Performance
These days, just about every automobile manufacturer is focusing heavily on using sustainable automotive materials. One of the best ways to make a vehicle more eco-friendly is to reduce its weight. Doing this helps improve the fuel economy, resulting in less fuel used in the long term.
Drivers are typically more interested in fuel-efficient vehicles as they have less of an impact on the environment. It also leads to savings on fuel, which is ideal as gas prices continue to rise.
In addition to this, modern vehicle materials that reduce the weight of cars can help improve performance. A lighter car will naturally be able to achieve higher speeds which is something that many drivers will consider when looking for a new vehicle.
3. Durability Alongside Aesthetic Flexibility
Plastic innovations in cars offer a lot in terms of functionality, but they can also provide visual benefits. Modern plastics are highly durable, so vehicles can stand up better to wear and tear. They also offer a lot of design flexibility which is ideal for modern vehicles.
Manufacturers can implement innovative designs that appeal to today’s drivers. They can create sleek, stylish interiors and may offer drivers more flexibility in terms of style choices.
Plastics are also resistant to things like corrosion and impacts. As a result, buyers can expect their vehicles to stay in good shape for longer.
The Continued Use of Automotive Plastics
Due to the many benefits that automotive plastics offer, it’s safe to say that they will continue to be used more and more in the coming years. Along with this, more innovations are likely to come up, allowing for improved vehicles across the market.
Mayco International is a global Tier 1 automotive supplier to automotive companies. Our approach is based on innovation, enabling us to provide manufacturers with the best materials and components available in the current market.
Take a look at our services page to find out more about what we do.