New Plastics Industry 'Roadmap' Tackles Automotive-Design Landscape

Jan. 13, 2005
Compiled By Deborah Austin Automotive-plastics players are launching an ambitious vision to establish plastics as the design material of choice in all major automotive components and systems by 2020, states the newly released "Plastics in Automotive ...
Compiled ByDeborah Austin Automotive-plastics players are launching an ambitious vision to establish plastics as the design material of choice in all major automotive components and systems by 2020, states the newly released "Plastics in Automotive Markets: Vision and Technology Roadmap," developed by the American Plastics Council (APC). The APC, a national trade organization representing 24 major U.S. resin producers, will pursue a business strategy with four elements:
  • New applications for plastics -- developing a portfolio of polymer-based material options and related tools; maximizing performance advantages for conventional vehicle platforms; designing new plastic-unique architectures.
  • Speed to market -- shortening design/development/engineering cycles to speed new polymer-based applications to commercial market; providing reliable tools to predict material performance.
  • Enabling infrastructure -- building a plastics-based manufacturing/supply infrastructure that outperforms conventional systems; developing competitive manufacturing platforms and a sound business case for plastics-intensive design; supporting related education/training.
  • Sustainable transportation -- leveraging environmental advantages such as energy efficiency and recyclability. U.S. automotive-plastics use has grown from an average 60 pounds per vehicle in 1970 to 240 pounds today, says the Arlington, Va.-based APC.
  • Popular Sponsored Recommendations

    Empowering the Modern Workforce: The Power of Connected Worker Technologies

    March 1, 2024
    Explore real-world strategies to boost worker safety, collaboration, training, and productivity in manufacturing. Emphasizing Industry 4.0, we'll discuss digitalization and automation...

    3 Best Practices to Create a Product-Centric Competitive Advantage with PRO.FILE PLM

    Jan. 25, 2024
    Gain insight on best practices and strategies you need to accelerate engineering change management and reduce time to market. Register now for your opportunity to accelerate your...

    Transformative Capabilities for XaaS Models in Manufacturing

    Feb. 14, 2024
    The manufacturing sector is undergoing a pivotal shift toward "servitization," or enhancing product offerings with services and embracing a subscription model. This transition...

    Shifting Your Business from Products to Service-Based Business Models: Generating Predictable Revenues

    Oct. 27, 2023
    Executive summary on a recent IndustryWeek-hosted webinar sponsored by SAP

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!