The EU is proposing a ban on carbon fibre, the favoured materials used to lighten high-performance automobiles and add a sporty end to car interiors, as a hazardous materials.
A brand new modification by the European Parliament would successfully ban the fabric’s use in Europe from 2029. The modification was proposed below a revision to the EU’s Finish of Life Autos Directive which offers with recycling outdated automobiles. Based on the EU, carbon fibre filaments can turn into airborne and be dangerous if they arrive into contact with human pores and skin, mucous membranes and organ linings.
Carbon fibre is in style in automotive development, notably in high-performance autos, as a consequence of its mild weight and power. Automobile producers are among the many greatest customers of the fabric, accounting for about 20% of worldwide use, and carbon fibre was a $5.5bn business in 2024, in response to Motor 1.
Many sports activities automobiles and electrical autos use the fabric, notably for the physique, chassis and even wheels, to scale back weight and improve efficiency. The fabric is just not used solely in unique automobiles, having filtered all the way down to extra mainstream autos lately.
The draft modification might be reviewed by the European Fee, although there may be sturdy opposition to the proposed band — not solely from automotive producers but in addition plane and wind turbine producers who use the fabric extensively.
