Mapping the polymer impacts of a shifting transport sector

The transportation industry is changing at breakneck pace. Decarbonizing the sector is no small task, but automakers accounting for more than 80% of vehicle sales have now set carbon-neutral targets. As a result vehicle designs are being overhauled, starting with the drive systems. Batteries are replacing internal combustion engines while hydrogen fuel cell technologies also advance. While one of the smaller sectors plastics are exposed to, polymers have played a key role in delivering more aggressive fuel efficiency standards and advanced safety systems – both of which will continue enable lower carbon output. In this insight, we assess the material impact of the changing transportation industry and expose the sensitivities of polymer markets to electrification.