Global – The average car will incorporate nearly 350 kilograms of plastics by 2020, claim chemical researchers at IHS Markit. This figure is up from 200 kilograms in 2014 ‘ a surge said to be triggered by automakers employing newer-generation plastics and plastics composites to meet those newer efficiency standards.
Cars represent a fast-growing market for the chemicals industry, with global car production expected to rise in the coming years to more than 110 million units in 2025 – up from an estimated 88.7 million in 2015.
IHS Markit observes that much of the growth can be traced back to the fast-expanding Chinese market.
‘While metal and metal alloys are still critical to automotive design, automakers are finding innovative ways to leverage plastics and composites into their designs to help reduce vehicle weight and improve efficiency,’ observes Casey Selecman, senior manager of automotive advisory services at IHS Markit.
‘As efficiency and carbon reduction regulations increase globally, we expect the use of plastics will only increase as the materials improve and production costs are reduced,’ he states.
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