Nonwovens in Automotives

Nonwovens in Automotives

Taking Over

Nonwovens have increasingly replaced traditional automotive components in recent years. Over 40 automotive parts are now made with nonwovens, including headliners, carpeting, filters, insulation, and more.

Good for the Earth

Among the benefits of using nonwovens in cars is that the materials are lighter than alternate products. Lowering the total weight of a car increases fuel economy and lowers CO2 emissions.

Looking Good

Nonwovens producers are optimistic about growth for nonwovens in automotives. In fact, in the U.S., the number of vehicles sold in the U.S. was up 13.6% in October 2015 compared to October 2014, according to Autodata.

Interest in Asia

Makers of nonwovens for automotives are also enthusiastic about Asia. They are seeing fast growth in automotive car production overall, and the use of nonwovens in particular. Freudenberg & Vilene and Tenowo have made investments in Asia recently.

Lightweight Products

This year, Autoneum added two new products to its range. New multifunctional engine covers are made with a lightweight fiber-foam material called Theta-FiberCell. Compared with typical plastic engine covers, covers made of Theta-FiberCell are more than 50% lighter, which is equivalent to a weight reduction of up to one kilo per vehicle. The company also launched Prime-Light. Used for inner dashes and floor insulators, Prime-Light components can be pressed into a wide variety of different shapes and sizes.

Turning Down the Noise

Acoustic nonwovens offer optimal sound absorption in vehicles. Pictured are Sandler’s lightweight sawasorb nonwovens, which can be used in almost all acoustic applications. For exterior applications sawasorb nonwovens offer a textile absorber alternative – from the engine cover, to the underbody shield, to the wheel house arches.