Carbon fiber is lighter and stronger than steel, making it ideal for cars. Yet the EU is now considering banning carbon fiber and classifying it as dangerous.
The EU Parliament classifies carbon fiber as harmful in a new directive. If it becomes a ban, it could hit the automotive industry hard.
The EU is now considering taking a significant step towards the automotive industry. In Brussels, they will ban the use of carbon fiber in car production. The proposal is part of the revised ELV (End of Life Vehicles) directive, which will also scrap many older cars. Read more about it here.
The directive regulates the dismantling and recycling of cars. The aim is to make the process more environmentally friendly.
Why does the EU see carbon fiber as a problem? The answer lies in the way carbon fiber is disposed of.
When carbon fiber bound with resin is discarded, fine fibers can be released. Those fibers can float in the air.
The fibers can cause short circuits in machines. More importantly, they can irritate the skin and mucous membranes of humans.
Carbon fiber – a strong but lightweight material under the microscope
Carbon fiber is known for its special properties. The material is stronger than steel and lighter than aluminum. However, the production of carbon fiber is more complicated. It is also more expensive than steel and aluminum.
Yet the advantages often outweigh the disadvantages. This applies to many different applications. The material is widely used in the aircraft industry. It is also seen in windmill wings and on cars.
Motorcycles also use carbon fiber, although to a lesser extent than cars and airplanes.
A growing market and electric cars' need for carbon fiber
The global market for carbon fiber was worth around DKK 37.9 billion in 2024. This is according to figures from the research firm Roots Analysis.
The market is expected to grow significantly. An average annual growth of 11 percent is predicted until 2035. The value could reach approximately 118.1 billion kroner.
According to Nikkei Asia, cars currently account for between 10 and 20 percent of total usage. That number is likely to increase.
The increase is mainly due to the spread of electric cars and because car brands are looking for the fastest possible way to make cars lighter.
Electric cars weigh more than traditional cars with combustion engines. The reason is the large battery packs in the bottom of the cars.
The use of carbon fiber is seen as an ideal solution when it comes to cutting weight, especially for premium brands.
For expensive car brands, price is less important. Driving characteristics and range matter more. But this is still something that is greatly influenced by the often excessively high weight of electric cars.
Other materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium are already classified as hazardous by the EU. However, they have had exemptions in the automotive sector, which do not apply to other consumer products.
Carbon fiber has now been proposed for the first time globally to be classified as harmful in the context of the automotive industry. This is happening in the EU Parliament's draft for the revised ELV directive.
It's important to remember that this is still a draft, and therefore nothing is certain yet. But there is no immediate alternative to carbon fiber. At least not one that is as good.
At Boosted.dk we follow developments closely. Materials like carbon fiber are often seen in performance cars and tuning projects, which we cover in depth. However, it also happens regularly that the featherweight material benefits completely 'ordinary' street cars like the latest BMW M3 Touring. Read more about it here .
