With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposing much higher vehicle emission standards — a combined fleet average year-over-year CO2 reduction between the 2027 and 2032 model years of 13 percent, according to our sister paper Automotive News — the headlines have focused on how that will stress a faster transition to electric vehicles in the U.S.
Again, via Auto News: "The plan could lead to EVs making up 67 percent of new light-duty vehicle sales and 46 percent of medium-duty vehicle sales in the 2032 model year."
Some parts of the plastics industry have been anticipating rapid growth, however, and are gearing up to boost production of key parts.
PN's Sarah Kominek writes that Inoac USA Inc. makes foam products for EV battery packaging and protection using polyurethane, silicone, rubber and acrylic materials. It's a new business opportunity that has been years in the making.
"Most of these materials that we're bringing to [the North American] market now … have been under development and being commercialized for at least 10 years," Inoac's Brad Harris said.
The American Chemistry Council issued a news release after the EPA announcement noting that the auto industry will need plastics to meet the goal and that the plastics industry will also need public policy support.
"We strongly encourage the Administration and Congress to pursue policies and regulations that will enable and promote the U.S. chemical industry — not stifle it — so that it can continue to be a catalyst to addressing this issue and so many others," ACC said.