Everything From A BMW To A Ferrari Could Lose Their Favorite Party Piece

One of the greatest of modern materials could be in danger. Carbon fiber has been adding strength and removing weight from vehicles for decades, while also delivering incredible looks and highly exclusive vehicles. But now, according to a new report, the European Union is looking at a virtual ban on the material in cars, affecting everything from an M4 to a Gemera. Eliminating its use from vehicles is a move that could spread to other carbon fiber-intensive applications, including wind power generation and even aircraft.

Nikkei Asia learned of the possibility of the ban last week. It discovered that the EU is considering changes to its End of Life Vehicles Directive, a directive which is meant to make dismantling and recycling vehicles at the end of their life more environmentally friendly.

Carbon Fiber Could Join Lead And Mercury On The Nope List

The new version of the law would add carbon fiber to a list of harmful materials that includes other hazardous substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium. The EU is worried about carbon fiber because of what happens when it is discarded. When a carbon fiber part is cracked, fine filaments of carbon can become airborne. The report says these can cause pain to human skin and mucous membranes. They’re also conductive, meaning they can short-circuit machinery and electronics.

Related

Ford Taking Carbon Fiber Customization To A New Level

Ford has developed a way of weaving composite fibers like a high-end Persian rug.

In the past, ELV bans on materials like lead and mercury in cars led to bans in other areas. Carbon fiber manufacturers are worried the same could happen here, depriving them of a material commonly used in wind turbine blades and for the airframe and wings of modern aircraft, including the Airbus A350 XWB and Boeing 787.

Auto Ban Could Expand Across Industry

The report estimates that vehicle use of carbon fiber accounts for 10-20 percent of the material’s use. EVs are expected to lead market growth, as lighter-weight EVs are crucial to longer range and a lower carbon footprint.

Currently, this is just a draft amendment. It has yet to be discussed by the European Parliament or the European Commission. Any effort to implement the new rules would likely face stiff opposition from the auto industry and other industries using the material, as well as the manufacturers of carbon fiber materials and resins.

Related

Volvo’s Vision Of Future Luxury Includes Recycled Materials And PET Bottles

Modern luxury does not include leather seats.

If it does come into effect, it’s not likely to happen before 2029, so the industry has plenty of time to come up with and streamline other alternatives.

According to the EU, six million vehicles reach end-of-life in Europe each year and are treated as waste. If not properly managed, this leads to environmental issues and the loss of millions of tonnes of materials to the European economy.

Source: Nikkei Asia