Automakers use carbon fiber as a option to preserve their autos gentle, but robust. Sports activities automotive and EV makers particularly love the light-weight materials for its sturdiness and weight financial savings. But when the European Union has something to say about it, carbon fiber could possibly be deemed a “hazardous materials” beneath EU regulation, placing dozens of automakers in danger.

An modification drafted by the European Parliament goals so as to add carbon fiber to the EU’s checklist of hazardous supplies. That presently contains lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium—supplies nonetheless used sparingly in automotive and plane manufacturing.

Hyundai N Carbon Fiber Wheel

The modification was added beneath revision to the EU’s Finish of Life Automobiles Directive—the federal government arm immediately accountable for recycling discarded autos. The EU believes that carbon fiber filaments might change into airborne and be dangerous if they arrive in touch with human pores and skin. That is the primary time wherever on the planet {that a} governmental entity has deemed carbon fiber a hazardous materials.

If Parliament formally adopts the modification, it will take impact in Europe starting in 2029. Corporations would regularly must wind down carbon fiber use of their manufacturing. Auto manufacturing alone accounts for as much as 20 p.c of all carbon fiber use worldwide.

Shares of Japan’s carbon fiber producers fell sharply following the announcement by the EU, in accordance with Nikkei Asia. Asian manufacturers could be hit hardest by the carbon fiber ban, with Teijin, Toray Industries, and Mitsubishi Chemical accounting for 54 p.c of the complete carbon fiber manufacturing market globally. Europe accounts for the overwhelming majority of all different carbon fiber manufacturing.

Picture by: Basic Creations

Carbon Fiber Shelby Cobra Race Automobile

Sports activities automotive and supercar makers would undoubtedly be hit hardest by the proposed ban, however sure electrical car producers would additionally undergo. EV makers like BMW, Hyundai, Lucid, and Tesla all use carbon fiber extensively of their development.

The excellent news is that carbon fiber was a $5.5 billion trade in 2024, which implies the modification will face robust opposition from the plane and automotive sectors earlier than it turns into regulation.