Promotion of Packaging, Building and Construction and, Automotive Sectors of Plastics Converters Industry
About Us
Created in 1989 at the initiative of six national plastics processing associations, EuPC was formed after the dissolution of Eutraplast and AEC. EuPC was set up to influence the EU decision-making process of regulations affecting its industry. In 1995, EuPC started to adapt its organisational structure in order to represent effectively the market interests of the European plastics converting industry. The association needed to focus its activities more on market development without losing the issues management and the common problems affecting plastics converters such as health, safety and environment, raw materials, trade and communication. In December 2001, new structure with 3 divisions: Packaging, Building & Construction, and Automotive & Transport. A Policy Forum was also set up for the members to review yearly the EuPC policies and provide advice and information to the Steering Committee. In May 2002, EuPC enlarged its European membership with new national plastics associations from EU candidate countries. EuPC is committed to promote the most appropriate plastics waste management options according to the different social, geographical, environmental and economic circumstances: plastic recycling. Objectives EuPC is the professional representative body of plastics converters within Europe whose activity embraces all sectors of the plastics converting industry including recycling. Founded in 1989, the Association focuses its activities on market development as well as on the issues management and the common problems affecting plastics converters such as Health, Safety and Environment, Raw Materials, Trade or Communication. EuPC members are national plastics processing associations representing the plastics converting industry and/or the manufacturing sectors in more than 20 countries, and about 25 European sectorial associations representing at a European level a particular sector/market/material of the plastics processing industry. Activities EuPC`s overall objective is to defend and promote the interests of the European plastics converting industry through the following activities: Voicing the industry`s opinion towards European and international institutions and non-governmental organisations; Maintaining relationships with corresponding organisations in Europe and worldwide; Carrying out business surveys, studies and research projects in all aspects of the plastics processing industry. Sector Groups Several Sector Groups have already been set up inside the EuPC structure representing a specific product or sector on the European level. These Sector Groups are considered as members of EuPC within the general activities. Market Divisions EuPC is structured into 3 Market Divisions representing the main markets of the plastics converting industry: Packaging, Building and Construction, Automotive and Transport. Other Divisions can be set up by decision of the EuPC Steering Committee. EuPC Packaging Division EuPC Building and Construction Division EuPC Automotive and Transport Division Horizontal Committees Four ``Horizontal`` Committees`` complete and strenghten this structure, each having interactions with the three Divisions: Health, Safety and Environment Committee Raw Materials Committee Trade Policy Committee Communication Committee
Created in 1989 at the initiative of six national plastics processing associations, EuPC was formed after the dissolution of Eutraplast and AEC. EuPC was set up to influence the EU decision-making process of regulations affecting its industry.
In 1995, EuPC started to adapt its organisational structure in order to represent effectively the market interests of the European plastics converting industry. The association needed to focus its activities more on market development without losing the issues management and the common problems affecting plastics converters such as health, safety and environment, raw materials, trade and communication.
In December 2001, new structure with 3 divisions: Packaging, Building & Construction, and Automotive & Transport. A Policy Forum was also set up for the members to review yearly the EuPC policies and provide advice and information to the Steering Committee.
In May 2002, EuPC enlarged its European membership with new national plastics associations from EU candidate countries.
EuPC is committed to promote the most appropriate plastics waste management options according to the different social, geographical, environmental and economic circumstances: plastic recycling.
Objectives
Activities
EuPC`s overall objective is to defend and promote the interests of the European plastics converting industry through the following activities:
Sector Groups
Several Sector Groups have already been set up inside the EuPC structure representing a specific product or sector on the European level. These Sector Groups are considered as members of EuPC within the general activities.
Market Divisions
EuPC is structured into 3 Market Divisions representing the main markets of the plastics converting industry: Packaging, Building and Construction, Automotive and Transport. Other Divisions can be set up by decision of the EuPC Steering Committee.
Horizontal Committees
Four ``Horizontal`` Committees`` complete and strenghten this structure, each having interactions with the three Divisions:
Plastic Applications
Plastics in Packaging After the Second World War, the plastics industry underwent incredibly fast development. There is probably no comparable sector of industry (apart perhaps from computing) which has grown so rapidly. The result is that plastics, and plastics packaging, are now an essential part of our everyday life. The key to their success has been versatility. In packaging, plastics are used for many varied applications ranging from sterile storage of medical and pharmaceutical goods, to extending the shelf life of foodstuffs such as bread, meat and vegetables, and protecting sensitive technical products from damage. This means that plastics make a significant contribution to improving the quality of our life. At the same time they preserve valuable resources and help to save costs, as a result of their lower weight. Plastics in Building and Construction Of all the applications of plastics, building and construction is the second most important area, with a volume of 23 %, only coming second to packaging applications. The average working life of all plastics applications in construction is 35 years but, depending on the specific application, this has a wide variation between 5 years (such as wallpaper) and 80 years (such as pipes). Plastic insulation systems can also make a significant contribution to noise insulation. After pipes and insulation, the third major application area is for wall covering and flooring. The fourth-largest application area is window frames, which are made almost exclusively out of PVC. Plastics in the Electrical Industry The use of plastics in the electrical industry spreads to every sector. In the consumer electrical sector, we can see every day the switches, lighting fittings, wiring and equipment boxes in houses and workplaces. Not so visible is the massive use of plastics ``behind the scenes`` in electrical engineering, stretching from the main switch right back through cabling and sub-stations, to the power generating plant. Without plastics, electricity would still be possible - but it would be much more cumbersome and costly. In the sector of business machinery and information storage, the contribution of plastics is almost total. Computers, copiers and other business machines are housed in moulded plastics enclosures and, like TV and video, use plastics extensively in their working parts. Optical information storage media are remarkable achievements in the formulation of ultra-pure materials, and then moulding them with most extraordinary precision. Plastics in Automotive Components The lightness in weight of plastics has proved itself a genuine benefit to the automotive industry, not only in reducing overall weight of cars, in order to reduce fuel consumption to legislated limits, but also in allowing more sophisticated systems and components - including safety systems - to be included in the modern car, without paying the penalty of additional weight. Without plastics, it is estimated that today`s cars would be around 200-300 kg heavier. The resulting fuel savings are estimated at 0.5 litre per 100 km which represents 750 litres for a car with a lifetime of 150,000 km. Plastics in Sports and Leisure Strength, flexibility, colour, high mouldability - and, above all, lightness - are the characteristics which take plastics into every sector of sport and leisure, whether it be compounds in thermoplastic elastomer soling for running shoes and trainers or carbon fibre composites for rowing skiffs; polypropylene and elastomer masks and snorkels for underwater swimmers and divers or nylon runners for in-line skates; ABS protective helmets for footballers or space age composites for racing bicycles. Construction and assembly sets such as Lego, Playmobil and others depend on the strength and ``snap-fit`` possibilities of plastics, while soft toys are universally produced in plasticised PVC - an area where, with increasing knowledge, there is increasing care in selection and formulation of materials. Not unlike the sporting goods sector, the toy industry is increasingly involved with plastics offering higher-performance. A very large user of ``standard`` plastics (such as polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene and PVC), it is a growing user now of engineering plastics such as ABS, nylon and polyacetal. Plastics in Agriculture This sector uses mainly ``standard`` thermoplastics, such as polyethylene and PVC, with particular emphasis on extrusion. But the development of high-tech applications in agriculture has introduced the so-called ``engineering`` plastics, such as polycarbonate, into the market in significant quantities. The scope and applications range across many materials and processes, from the most elementary low density polyethylene film to multi-wall polycarbonate glazing panels. While making it possible to raise farm yields in the Western world, there is no doubt that the vast potential for use of plastics in the Developing World has scarcely been tapped.
After the Second World War, the plastics industry underwent incredibly fast development. There is probably no comparable sector of industry (apart perhaps from computing) which has grown so rapidly. The result is that plastics, and plastics packaging, are now an essential part of our everyday life.
The key to their success has been versatility. In packaging, plastics are used for many varied applications ranging from sterile storage of medical and pharmaceutical goods, to extending the shelf life of foodstuffs such as bread, meat and vegetables, and protecting sensitive technical products from damage. This means that plastics make a significant contribution to improving the quality of our life. At the same time they preserve valuable resources and help to save costs, as a result of their lower weight.
Of all the applications of plastics, building and construction is the second most important area, with a volume of 23 %, only coming second to packaging applications.
The average working life of all plastics applications in construction is 35 years but, depending on the specific application, this has a wide variation between 5 years (such as wallpaper) and 80 years (such as pipes).
Plastic insulation systems can also make a significant contribution to noise insulation. After pipes and insulation, the third major application area is for wall covering and flooring. The fourth-largest application area is window frames, which are made almost exclusively out of PVC.
The use of plastics in the electrical industry spreads to every sector. In the consumer electrical sector, we can see every day the switches, lighting fittings, wiring and equipment boxes in houses and workplaces.
Not so visible is the massive use of plastics ``behind the scenes`` in electrical engineering, stretching from the main switch right back through cabling and sub-stations, to the power generating plant. Without plastics, electricity would still be possible - but it would be much more cumbersome and costly.
In the sector of business machinery and information storage, the contribution of plastics is almost total. Computers, copiers and other business machines are housed in moulded plastics enclosures and, like TV and video, use plastics extensively in their working parts. Optical information storage media are remarkable achievements in the formulation of ultra-pure materials, and then moulding them with most extraordinary precision.
The lightness in weight of plastics has proved itself a genuine benefit to the automotive industry, not only in reducing overall weight of cars, in order to reduce fuel consumption to legislated limits, but also in allowing more sophisticated systems and components - including safety systems - to be included in the modern car, without paying the penalty of additional weight.
Without plastics, it is estimated that today`s cars would be around 200-300 kg heavier. The resulting fuel savings are estimated at 0.5 litre per 100 km which represents 750 litres for a car with a lifetime of 150,000 km.
Strength, flexibility, colour, high mouldability - and, above all, lightness - are the characteristics which take plastics into every sector of sport and leisure, whether it be compounds in thermoplastic elastomer soling for running shoes and trainers or carbon fibre composites for rowing skiffs; polypropylene and elastomer masks and snorkels for underwater swimmers and divers or nylon runners for in-line skates; ABS protective helmets for footballers or space age composites for racing bicycles.
Construction and assembly sets such as Lego, Playmobil and others depend on the strength and ``snap-fit`` possibilities of plastics, while soft toys are universally produced in plasticised PVC - an area where, with increasing knowledge, there is increasing care in selection and formulation of materials.
Not unlike the sporting goods sector, the toy industry is increasingly involved with plastics offering higher-performance. A very large user of ``standard`` plastics (such as polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene and PVC), it is a growing user now of engineering plastics such as ABS, nylon and polyacetal.
This sector uses mainly ``standard`` thermoplastics, such as polyethylene and PVC, with particular emphasis on extrusion. But the development of high-tech applications in agriculture has introduced the so-called ``engineering`` plastics, such as polycarbonate, into the market in significant quantities.
The scope and applications range across many materials and processes, from the most elementary low density polyethylene film to multi-wall polycarbonate glazing panels. While making it possible to raise farm yields in the Western world, there is no doubt that the vast potential for use of plastics in the Developing World has scarcely been tapped.
Plastic Packaging
EuPC represents and promotes the interests of the European Plastics Packaging Industry and fosters sustainable business conditions for this sector. After the Second World War, the plastics industry underwent incredibly fast development. There is probably no comparable sector of industry (apart perhaps from computing) which has grown so rapidly. The result is that plastics, and plastics packaging, are now an essential part of our everyday life. The key to their success has been versatility. In packaging, plastics are used for many varied applications ranging from sterile storage of medical and pharmaceutical goods, to extending the shelf life of foodstuffs such as bread, meat and vegetables, and protecting sensitive technical products from damage. This means that plastics make a significant contribution to improving the quality of our life. At the same time they preserve valuable resources and help to save costs, as a result of their lower weight. Over time, plastics have become ever more sophisticated, lighter and more versatile due to innovative technologies and they have replaced traditional packaging such as glass and paper in many areas. About one third of all goods in Western Europe are now packaged in plastics, giving these materials the second-largest market share, after paper and cardboard. In volume terms, 55 % of this packaging is flexible while the remainder is rigid. In value terms, however, the position is reversed, and rigid packaging in 1997 was worth an estimated Euro 23 billion, which is expected to rise to Euro 29 billion by the year 2002. Flexible packaging on the other hand had a total value of Euro 8.3 billion in 1997, forecast to increase to Euro 9.4 billion by 2002. During 1997 a total of 11.6 million tonnes of plastics was used for the production of packaging in Western Europe. Plastics packaging is everywhere today. But how will the sector develop over the next five years? In spite of the size and economic importance of the industry, it is a fact that manufacturers of plastics packaging (predominantly medium-sized and small companies) are now open to a double dependency: on the one side the raw material suppliers dictate the prices of plastics, and on the other side there is massive downward pressure on prices by customers - particularly in the food industry. Globalisation of Business Processes The increasing level of the globalisation of business processes has led to structural changes for raw material suppliers and customers of the packaging, which have far-reaching effects on plastics packaging companies. As for all large companies, it is essential for large purchasers of packaging today to have a global presence. They expect that packaging manufacturers will be capable of providing local deliveries to them, wherever they may be located. There is fruitful cooperation at European level with the European Plastics Converters Federation. This activity needs to be intensified and is particularly important in the fields of environmental protection and recycling. The European Commission together with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive of December 1994 imposed far-reaching regulations, including those for the reduction of packaging material and a high level of recycling. In Germany the packaging industry has suffered a loss of competitiveness on a European level as a result of the expensive waste separation system of the Dual System. Regulations need to be standardised in all countries of the EU to prevent this imbalance. The collective force of the plastics processing industry in the EuPC is therefore important and has to be expanded by more effort from the plastics industry. EuPC Packaging Division Working Groups Regulation Standardisation and Food Contact Economic and Trade Communication Technical Committee Packaging for Dangerous Goods Plastics in Packaging The packaging sector is the largest consumer of plastics in Europe. Around half of all Western Europe`s goods are now packaged in plastics, and yet, thanks to constant innovation and achievement of resource efficiency- these plastics account for only 20 per cent by weight of all packaging materials. Plastics Packaging Applications - Plastic Bags and Plastic Sacks - Plastic Blow Moulded Containers - Plastic Food Packaging - Plastic Packaging for Soaps - Plastics for Detergents and Cosmetics - Plastics for Pharmaceuticals - Plastic Films - Plastics for Transit Packaging
EuPC represents and promotes the interests of the European Plastics Packaging Industry and fosters sustainable business conditions for this sector.
After the Second World War, the plastics industry underwent incredibly fast development. There is probably no comparable sector of industry (apart perhaps from computing) which has grown so rapidly. The result is that plastics, and plastics packaging, are now an essential part of our everyday life. The key to their success has been versatility. In packaging, plastics are used for many varied applications ranging from sterile storage of medical and pharmaceutical goods, to extending the shelf life of foodstuffs such as bread, meat and vegetables, and protecting sensitive technical products from damage. This means that plastics make a significant contribution to improving the quality of our life. At the same time they preserve valuable resources and help to save costs, as a result of their lower weight. Over time, plastics have become ever more sophisticated, lighter and more versatile due to innovative technologies and they have replaced traditional packaging such as glass and paper in many areas.
About one third of all goods in Western Europe are now packaged in plastics, giving these materials the second-largest market share, after paper and cardboard. In volume terms, 55 % of this packaging is flexible while the remainder is rigid. In value terms, however, the position is reversed, and rigid packaging in 1997 was worth an estimated Euro 23 billion, which is expected to rise to Euro 29 billion by the year 2002. Flexible packaging on the other hand had a total value of Euro 8.3 billion in 1997, forecast to increase to Euro 9.4 billion by 2002. During 1997 a total of 11.6 million tonnes of plastics was used for the production of packaging in Western Europe. Plastics packaging is everywhere today. But how will the sector develop over the next five years? In spite of the size and economic importance of the industry, it is a fact that manufacturers of plastics packaging (predominantly medium-sized and small companies) are now open to a double dependency: on the one side the raw material suppliers dictate the prices of plastics, and on the other side there is massive downward pressure on prices by customers - particularly in the food industry.
The increasing level of the globalisation of business processes has led to structural changes for raw material suppliers and customers of the packaging, which have far-reaching effects on plastics packaging companies. As for all large companies, it is essential for large purchasers of packaging today to have a global presence. They expect that packaging manufacturers will be capable of providing local deliveries to them, wherever they may be located.
There is fruitful cooperation at European level with the European Plastics Converters Federation. This activity needs to be intensified and is particularly important in the fields of environmental protection and recycling. The European Commission together with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive of December 1994 imposed far-reaching regulations, including those for the reduction of packaging material and a high level of recycling. In Germany the packaging industry has suffered a loss of competitiveness on a European level as a result of the expensive waste separation system of the Dual System. Regulations need to be standardised in all countries of the EU to prevent this imbalance.
The collective force of the plastics processing industry in the EuPC is therefore important and has to be expanded by more effort from the plastics industry.
The packaging sector is the largest consumer of plastics in Europe. Around half of all Western Europe`s goods are now packaged in plastics, and yet, thanks to constant innovation and achievement of resource efficiency- these plastics account for only 20 per cent by weight of all packaging materials.
- Plastic Bags and Plastic Sacks - Plastic Blow Moulded Containers - Plastic Food Packaging - Plastic Packaging for Soaps - Plastics for Detergents and Cosmetics - Plastics for Pharmaceuticals - Plastic Films - Plastics for Transit Packaging
Plastics in Building and Construction
The European Markets for Plastics Building Products Of all the applications of plastics, building and construction is the second most important area, with a volume of 23 %, only coming second to packaging applications. The average working life of all plastics applications in construction is 35 years but, depending on the specific application, this has a wide variation between 5 years (such as wallpaper) and 80 years (such as pipes). These are only cautious assumptions, because there is not yet any practical long-term experience with a technically defined end to their working life. The oldest plastic products, manufactured on a large scale and used in the building industry (such as pipes), have been in use for 55 years and are still functioning as well as on the very first day. With an assumed average working life of 35 years, there is technical depreciation of 2.85 % per year. Plastics in the construction industry are thus extremely economical with resources. Environmental balance sheets consider not only economical use of resources, but also the cost of maintenance during the life of the applications. Since most plastics are either easy to maintain or require no maintenance at all, they also achieve first-class marks in their life-cycle evaluation. Compared with alternative materials in the building industry, plastics usually do better in environmental assessments. In addition to saving resources, the low maintenance cost throughout their life cycle and good recyclability of many plastics used in construction have a positive influence on these assessments. Recycling Considerations The building and construction sector is, of course, fundamentally concerned with long-lasting products and materials, which may be in place for 40 years before they require replacement. When the time comes, however, the great amount of technical work on recycling plastics building products to reuse the material will certainly prove an advantage. Many systems have been developed for re-using waste plastics as a central core of panels and large-diameter pipes - with good properties and economics. Plastics come in the form of thermoplastics or thermosets. As thermoplastics (which is the larger part of plastics building products), they can be shaped and re-shaped by the application of heat. The same basic facility can still be utilised for the re-use of recyclates from used products, to manufacture new products. EuPC represents and promotes the interests of the European Plastics Converters towards their customers and the European Institutions through: being a provider of information being a platform of reflection and positioning being a promoter of plastics building and construction technologies and products building and construction division working groups drinking water, fire safety, sustainable construction and dangerous substances Plastics in Building and Construction The Building and Construction sector -currently the second largest user of plastics in Europe -is expected still to grow substantially in the future. Plastics have over the years become a material of choice for achieving economic and environmental balance between technological challenges and functional design. Plastics in Building and Construction applications plastics for decorative laminates plastics for drainage and irrigation pipes plastics for drinking water pipes plastics for electrics and electronics plastics for fittings plastics for floor and wall coverings plastics for insulation materials plastics for roofing plastics for sewer pipes and ducts plastics for waterproofing plastics for window and door profiles Plastics Features and Advantages in Building and Construction durability, corrosion resistant cold, heat and sound insulation for energy saving and noise reduction cost efficiency light weight maintenance free innovation applications with unlimited choice of surface, colours and materials for creative design recyclability
The European Markets for Plastics Building Products
Of all the applications of plastics, building and construction is the second most important area, with a volume of 23 %, only coming second to packaging applications. The average working life of all plastics applications in construction is 35 years but, depending on the specific application, this has a wide variation between 5 years (such as wallpaper) and 80 years (such as pipes). These are only cautious assumptions, because there is not yet any practical long-term experience with a technically defined end to their working life.
The oldest plastic products, manufactured on a large scale and used in the building industry (such as pipes), have been in use for 55 years and are still functioning as well as on the very first day. With an assumed average working life of 35 years, there is technical depreciation of 2.85 % per year. Plastics in the construction industry are thus extremely economical with resources. Environmental balance sheets consider not only economical use of resources, but also the cost of maintenance during the life of the applications. Since most plastics are either easy to maintain or require no maintenance at all, they also achieve first-class marks in their life-cycle evaluation.
Compared with alternative materials in the building industry, plastics usually do better in environmental assessments. In addition to saving resources, the low maintenance cost throughout their life cycle and good recyclability of many plastics used in construction have a positive influence on these assessments.
Recycling Considerations
The building and construction sector is, of course, fundamentally concerned with long-lasting products and materials, which may be in place for 40 years before they require replacement. When the time comes, however, the great amount of technical work on recycling plastics building products to reuse the material will certainly prove an advantage. Many systems have been developed for re-using waste plastics as a central core of panels and large-diameter pipes - with good properties and economics. Plastics come in the form of thermoplastics or thermosets. As thermoplastics (which is the larger part of plastics building products), they can be shaped and re-shaped by the application of heat. The same basic facility can still be utilised for the re-use of recyclates from used products, to manufacture new products.
EuPC represents and promotes the interests of the European Plastics Converters towards their customers and the European Institutions through:
The Building and Construction sector -currently the second largest user of plastics in Europe -is expected still to grow substantially in the future. Plastics have over the years become a material of choice for achieving economic and environmental balance between technological challenges and functional design.
Plastics in Automotive Components
The European Market for Plastics Automotive Components Represents and promotes the interests of the Plastics Converters of the Automotive and Transport Industry towards their customers and the European Institutions, in cooperation with the horizontal functions of EuPC. As the old Millennium ended, sales of vehicles in Western Europe reached an all-time high of 15 million units. The use of plastics in automobiles during the past century has been large - in fact, historically one might say there have been plastics in automobiles almost as long as there have been plastics. The great revolution began with the development of thermoplastics on a large scale, during the 1950s, but it received its largest impetus with the development of engineering thermoplastics, starting with ABS and going on to polyamide and polyacetal and polycarbonate. A significant development in materials came with the technological ``leap`` from blending of different plastics to alloying new materials with useful combinations of plastics, of which the first was probably polystyrene-modified polyphenylene oxide. Since those beginnings, the use of plastics in automotive components has undergone enormous growth - particularly during the last 20 years - from a few kg per car to roughly 105 kg per average automobile built in the year 2000. During this period, the advantages of using plastics have changed. Originally, plastics were specified because they offered good mechanical properties combined with excellent appearance, including the possibility of self-colouring. As the automotive industry has developed - and particularly under the legislative pressures that have been imposed on it during the past few years - so plastics have responded. Plastic Components in a Car A quick look inside any model of car shows that the passenger compartment is dominated by plastics. This is the area where plastics are more traditionally established. But besides instrument panels, interior trim and upholstery, plastics are used in lighting, bumper systems, fuel storage and delivery systems, ducts, fenders and exterior body panels and increasingly in engine compartment or other under-the-hood components. The ``invasion`` of plastics in the engine compartment is by no means over. Engineers in plastics and automobiles are working together closely now to optimise other systems, integrating injection and blow moulded parts, and harnessing plastics and elastomers that give a range of properties from ``soft`` to ``hard``, but can be moulded simultaneously or in sequence, offering a better product without expensive assembly work. Plastics are also beginning to make a significant contribution to the structural make-up of the car. Intensive development of thermoplastics has opened the way to production of individual bodywork panels by injection moulding, to meet the high temperature of the paint stoving ovens used by the automotive industry, and electrically-conductive grades, for electrostatic painting. Automotive and Transport Division Working Groups Regulatory Communication Plastics in Transportation Thanks to their numerous advantages, plastics have been increasingly used in vehicles over the last 25 years, representing today an average of more than 100 kg per car which replace 200 to 300 kg of traditional materials. Plastics in Vehicles applications plastics for battery plastic body panels plastic bumpers plastic dashboard plastic door panels plastics for fuel system plastic interior and plastic exterior trims plastic lighting systems plastic seats, seatbelts, airbags plastic undershields plastic upholstery Plastic Features and Advantages in Transport weight savings to support reduction of fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions no corrosion allowing longer life vehicles substantial design freedom allowing advanced creativity and innovation flexibility in integrating components safety, comfort and economy recyclability
The European Market for Plastics Automotive Components
Represents and promotes the interests of the Plastics Converters of the Automotive and Transport Industry towards their customers and the European Institutions, in cooperation with the horizontal functions of EuPC.
As the old Millennium ended, sales of vehicles in Western Europe reached an all-time high of 15 million units. The use of plastics in automobiles during the past century has been large - in fact, historically one might say there have been plastics in automobiles almost as long as there have been plastics.
The great revolution began with the development of thermoplastics on a large scale, during the 1950s, but it received its largest impetus with the development of engineering thermoplastics, starting with ABS and going on to polyamide and polyacetal and polycarbonate. A significant development in materials came with the technological ``leap`` from blending of different plastics to alloying new materials with useful combinations of plastics, of which the first was probably polystyrene-modified polyphenylene oxide.
Since those beginnings, the use of plastics in automotive components has undergone enormous growth - particularly during the last 20 years - from a few kg per car to roughly 105 kg per average automobile built in the year 2000.
During this period, the advantages of using plastics have changed. Originally, plastics were specified because they offered good mechanical properties combined with excellent appearance, including the possibility of self-colouring.
As the automotive industry has developed - and particularly under the legislative pressures that have been imposed on it during the past few years - so plastics have responded.
Plastic Components in a Car
A quick look inside any model of car shows that the passenger compartment is dominated by plastics. This is the area where plastics are more traditionally established. But besides instrument panels, interior trim and upholstery, plastics are used in lighting, bumper systems, fuel storage and delivery systems, ducts, fenders and exterior body panels and increasingly in engine compartment or other under-the-hood components.
The ``invasion`` of plastics in the engine compartment is by no means over. Engineers in plastics and automobiles are working together closely now to optimise other systems, integrating injection and blow moulded parts, and harnessing plastics and elastomers that give a range of properties from ``soft`` to ``hard``, but can be moulded simultaneously or in sequence, offering a better product without expensive assembly work.
Plastics are also beginning to make a significant contribution to the structural make-up of the car. Intensive development of thermoplastics has opened the way to production of individual bodywork panels by injection moulding, to meet the high temperature of the paint stoving ovens used by the automotive industry, and electrically-conductive grades, for electrostatic painting.
Thanks to their numerous advantages, plastics have been increasingly used in vehicles over the last 25 years, representing today an average of more than 100 kg per car which replace 200 to 300 kg of traditional materials.
Plastic Features and Advantages in Transport
Sustainability of Plastics
Material Use Resource-saving input of raw materials can be achieved by using a proportional amount of recycled plastics alongside the virgin raw materials. This sustainability of plastics contributes to the environment while helping to cut expenditure on raw materials. Energy Efficient Processing Energy is predominantly used in the conversion of plastics and modern technology makes it possible to carry out production with greater energy efficiency, thus not only contributing to the protection of the environment but cutting cost. Low Emission Processes During machine manufacturing of plastic products, emissions which affect the environment automatically arise. Modern technologies help to reduce these emissions and at the same time cut costs, since emissions from materials and gases represent, after all, the removal of input materials which have been paid for. Low Waste Production During the conversion of plastics, waste is also produced which can already be partially recycled today. However, the potential of waste recycling has not yet been fully exploited. An increase in waste recycling will help the environment and at the same time cut costs. Efficient and Effective Products The products which we produce are in use for varying lengths of time. The better the quality of our products becomes, the longer the product life will be. This will make the products more attractive to the customer and the customer will also be prepared to pay a higher price for this. The increase in product life will reduce the consumption of raw material resources thus helping the environment but at the same time helping to cut costs. A longer product life should be aimed for when designing the products, enabling the same effect of resource savings and increased real net output, and thus achieving economic advantage. Recoverable Material Collection Any later material recording and tracing of used products can be taken into account at the product designing stage and brings with it not only benefits for the environment with the increased use of recycled materials but also cost benefits through the reuse of auxilliary raw materials. The purer and less adulterated a plastic remains even after use, the more cost-effective its reuse and the greater the input of recycled materials on account of the converter´s cost benefits. Economic Recovery Material recycling - the only technology which plastics converters may control directly - is of course at its most attractive when the collection, separation and recycling expenditure is, if possible, below or not far above the raw materials prices, since subsidies for recycling will make the plastics product system including recycling more expensive and perhaps too expensive in comparison to other materials systems. If another method of recycling, e.g. the raw materials method, in which a chemical process can be used to regain intermediate raw material products, or thermal exploitation through incineration, is more cost-effective, because it means, for instance, that savings can be made on expensive sorting or purification processes, this method of recycling should be given precedence. Material recycling is always advisable if good-quality auxilliary raw material can be obtained with little expenditure. The higher the level of contamination or blending, the more advisable it is to use other technologies of chemical or thermal recycling. Disposal of Residues There will always be residues which have to be disposed of. The smaller the quantities of these, the greater the savings and disposal charges, and at the same time the environment benefits. The reverse is also true - the higher the proportion to be reused, the lower the disposal costs. External Costs The recording, sorting and recycling of used products is, however, not included in the plastics converter´s cost calculations or in the selling price of their products today. Today, the costs are predominantely borne externally by communes or Lander. According to the goals declared in Rio, these costs should be internalized, e.g. borne by the relevant economy which markets the products. However, this will only be possible if the economy can achieve additional revenue from this from which the collection, sorting and reuse can be covered. If the sum of the recording, sorting and recycling costs is greater than the value of the plastic gained through this, this additonal revenue must cover the extra costs. Utilisation Value Products having a higher quality, a more effective usability and a longer product life are more attractive and therefore may be sold at a higher price. That way the added value can be ameliorated and the benefit may be increased. The environment will then profit from the more advanced product features while the social system benefits from the improved added value.
Material Use
Resource-saving input of raw materials can be achieved by using a proportional amount of recycled plastics alongside the virgin raw materials. This sustainability of plastics contributes to the environment while helping to cut expenditure on raw materials.
Energy Efficient Processing
Energy is predominantly used in the conversion of plastics and modern technology makes it possible to carry out production with greater energy efficiency, thus not only contributing to the protection of the environment but cutting cost.
Low Emission Processes
During machine manufacturing of plastic products, emissions which affect the environment automatically arise. Modern technologies help to reduce these emissions and at the same time cut costs, since emissions from materials and gases represent, after all, the removal of input materials which have been paid for.
Low Waste Production
During the conversion of plastics, waste is also produced which can already be partially recycled today. However, the potential of waste recycling has not yet been fully exploited. An increase in waste recycling will help the environment and at the same time cut costs.
Efficient and Effective Products
The products which we produce are in use for varying lengths of time. The better the quality of our products becomes, the longer the product life will be. This will make the products more attractive to the customer and the customer will also be prepared to pay a higher price for this. The increase in product life will reduce the consumption of raw material resources thus helping the environment but at the same time helping to cut costs. A longer product life should be aimed for when designing the products, enabling the same effect of resource savings and increased real net output, and thus achieving economic advantage.
Recoverable Material Collection
Any later material recording and tracing of used products can be taken into account at the product designing stage and brings with it not only benefits for the environment with the increased use of recycled materials but also cost benefits through the reuse of auxilliary raw materials. The purer and less adulterated a plastic remains even after use, the more cost-effective its reuse and the greater the input of recycled materials on account of the converter´s cost benefits.
Economic Recovery
Material recycling - the only technology which plastics converters may control directly - is of course at its most attractive when the collection, separation and recycling expenditure is, if possible, below or not far above the raw materials prices, since subsidies for recycling will make the plastics product system including recycling more expensive and perhaps too expensive in comparison to other materials systems. If another method of recycling, e.g. the raw materials method, in which a chemical process can be used to regain intermediate raw material products, or thermal exploitation through incineration, is more cost-effective, because it means, for instance, that savings can be made on expensive sorting or purification processes, this method of recycling should be given precedence. Material recycling is always advisable if good-quality auxilliary raw material can be obtained with little expenditure. The higher the level of contamination or blending, the more advisable it is to use other technologies of chemical or thermal recycling.
Disposal of Residues
There will always be residues which have to be disposed of. The smaller the quantities of these, the greater the savings and disposal charges, and at the same time the environment benefits. The reverse is also true - the higher the proportion to be reused, the lower the disposal costs.
External Costs
The recording, sorting and recycling of used products is, however, not included in the plastics converter´s cost calculations or in the selling price of their products today. Today, the costs are predominantely borne externally by communes or Lander. According to the goals declared in Rio, these costs should be internalized, e.g. borne by the relevant economy which markets the products. However, this will only be possible if the economy can achieve additional revenue from this from which the collection, sorting and reuse can be covered. If the sum of the recording, sorting and recycling costs is greater than the value of the plastic gained through this, this additonal revenue must cover the extra costs.
Utilisation Value
Products having a higher quality, a more effective usability and a longer product life are more attractive and therefore may be sold at a higher price. That way the added value can be ameliorated and the benefit may be increased. The environment will then profit from the more advanced product features while the social system benefits from the improved added value.
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