Sustainable Polymer Composites for Automotive Industry

Abstract

Polymers are widely used in the automotive industry due to their versatility, lightweight properties, cost-effectiveness, and ability to be molded into complex shapes. As technology advances, the use of polymers is expected to grow, driven by innovations in materials science and a focus on sustainability. Sustainable polymer composites are materials composed of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers or particles that are derived from renewable resources. In the automotive industry, especially with the growing adoption of electric vehicles, these composites are gaining attraction due to their potential to reduce vehicle weight, improve fuel efficiency, and minimize environmental impact by complying with new regulations such as the European Union Green Deal. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential applications of sustainable polymer composites in the automobile industry. It summarizes the knowledge of sustainable polymer composites, determines the research needs based on current limitations and regulations, and gives insights into future perspectives. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026.