After major turmoil in the automotive industry and falling share prices of carbon fiber manufacturers such as Toray and Teijin, the EU has dropped a controversial proposal to ban carbon fiber in cars.
Carbon fiber is saved. At least in the automotive industry. The EU is dropping a proposal to ban the material in cars.
This comes after great uncertainty and concern among automakers and carbon fiber manufacturers such as Toray and Teijin.
The news of a possible EU ban on the use of carbon fiber sent shockwaves through the industry. The proposal came as a surprise to many in the industry and sent shockwaves through the market.
It was proposed that the material be classified as hazardous to health. It should be placed in line with substances such as mercury, lead and cadmium, which are already banned in car production.
This is what Motor1 writes.
The EU considered the ban as part of an update to the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive, which deals with the proper and safe recycling of end-of-life vehicles.
Concerns were raised about the release of microscopic fiber particles from the breakdown of carbon fiber car parts. The particles could potentially irritate skin, interfere with electronics, or affect recycling machines. A ban was proposed by 2029.
The importance of carbon fiber for and in cars
Carbon fiber is a key material in many modern cars. It is known for its low weight and high strength.
The material is significantly stronger than steel. At the same time, it weighs less than aluminum, which is crucial for performance and efficiency.
Used in everything from high-performance sports cars to electric vehicles, the material helps reduce overall weight, especially in heavier electric vehicles.
For niche manufacturers like Swedish Koenigsegg, carbon fiber is essential. Their cars often have both the chassis and the entire body built from the material.
A ban would have forced such producers to fundamentally and costlyly restructure their entire production.
The stock market reacted strongly to the EU Proposal
The market for carbon fiber is significant and growing rapidly. Last year, the global market was valued at over 39 billion Danish kroner. Experts expect it to almost triple by 2035.
The automotive industry already consumes between 10 and 20 percent of total carbon fiber production. Its use is increasing, according to Motor1.
Japanese companies such as Toray, Teijin and Mitsubishi Chemical dominate the market, accounting for over half of the world's carbon fiber production.
When the proposal for an EU ban became known, the share prices of the major producers fell noticeably. The EU is a very important market for them.
But now the uncertainty has been removed again. According to Motor1, the European Parliament has decided to remove carbon fiber from the list of substances to be banned under the ELV Directive.
This means that car manufacturers can continue to design and build cars with carbon fiber components without fear of an imminent ban. The decision is undoubtedly a relief for the automotive world, especially for brands that focus on lightweight and performance.
Koenigsegg, which relies heavily on carbon fiber, builds some of the world's most extreme cars. You can read much more about the brand's impressive technology , wild records, and use of advanced materials here at Boosted.dk.
