EU exempts carbon fiber, easing auto industry concerns
In recent days, global media have circulated information regarding the potential classification of carbon fiber as a hazardous substance. As expected, the EU authorities have made a decision on this matter.
Carbon fiber is a material with wide applications, including in the automotive industry. Classifying it as a banned substance could have unexpected consequences for this sector. However, all indications suggest that this will not happen.
According to "Motor1 Italia," citing a representative of the European Parliament, the legislator plans to remove carbon fiber from the draft of new regulations. Quoting: "Carbon fiber will be removed from the list of harmful materials, and cars sold in Europe will therefore be able to continue using it even after 2029."
This is good news for the automotive industry, which consumes 20 percent of the world's carbon fiber production. Companies like McLaren, Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Koenigsegg use it in the construction of their vehicles. The ban would especially affect electric car manufacturers, where this material is crucial for weight reduction and range improvement.
Carbon fiber was first used in a Formula 1 McLaren MP4/1 car in 1981. Since then, it has become an integral part of the construction of many cars, from the body to the wheels.
