Applications of plastics in a wide range of industries

Automotive industry:

Lightweight construction and fuel efficiency

The demand for ever lighter vehicles to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions has prompted car manufacturers to switch to lighter materials.

This is where plastics come into play. Compared with traditional materials such as steel or aluminium, plastics are often significantly lighter and yet robust enough to meet structural requirements.

By using plastics, vehicle weight and therefore fuel consumption can be reduced, which not only reduces the environmental impact but also lowers the operating costs for vehicle owners.

Vehicle safety

Engineering plastics also help to improve vehicle safety. They are used in various safety components, including bumpers, airbags, seat belts and side trim.

Plastics have the ability to absorb energy in an impact, which helps to protect the occupants better.

In addition, they enable the manufacture of complex shapes that are specially designed to channel and minimise impact energy, which further increases the safety of the vehicle.

Design and aesthetics

Alongside their functional advantages, engineering plastics also offer a wide range of possibilities for vehicle design.

Their formability and versatility allow designers to create innovative and appealing interior and exterior trim.

From smooth surfaces to textured patterns and various colour options, plastics offer a flexible platform for creative design concepts.

As a result, car manufacturers can develop vehicles that are not only technologically advanced but also aesthetically appealing and match consumers' individual preferences.

Packaging industry:

Variety of plastics

Plastics come in a wide variety of forms and compositions, each specifically tailored to the requirements of different packaging applications.

Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) are just a few examples of the many types of plastics used in the packaging industry.

Each of these plastics has unique properties that make it particularly suitable for specific applications, whether for the production of bottles, films, containers or other packaging formats.

Advantages of plastic packaging

Plastic packaging offers a range of advantages that make it an attractive choice for manufacturers and consumers alike.

Its light weight helps to reduce transport costs and emissions.

In addition, plastic packaging is often shatterproof and provides effective protection against external influences such as moisture, oxygen and UV radiation, which extends the shelf life and freshness of packaged products.

Plastics also allow great flexibility in design, enabling manufacturers to develop innovative and appealing packaging solutions.

Construction:

Insulation and energy efficiency

Plastics are frequently used in the insulation of buildings to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

Materials such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) are used in insulating materials to protect buildings from heat in summer and cold in winter.

Waterproofing and sealing

Plastics offer an effective solution for the waterproofing of structures.

Polymer membranes such as PVC and TPO are used in roof waterproofing systems to prevent leaks and extend the service life of buildings.

Structural reinforcement

Glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) and carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) are increasingly used as an alternative to traditional building materials such as steel and concrete.

These materials also offer high strength at low weight and enable the construction of lighter and more durable structures.

Aesthetics and design

Plastics offer a wide range of design possibilities for architects and designers.

Materials such as acrylic glass and polycarbonate are used for transparent surfaces and facades to capture natural light and create aesthetically appealing designs.

Recycling and sustainability

In the course of growing environmental awareness, the recycling of plastics in construction is also gaining in importance.

Many plastic products can be recycled and reused in new construction applications, which helps to reduce waste and conserve natural resources.