Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
market prices for natural fibres, NF compres-
sion moulding seems to be regarded as an eco-
nomically interesting and seminal technique.
can score well, the production of which is ten
times less energy-intensive than that of glass
fibres.
A new EU End-of-Life Vehicle Directive,
which is under revision at the moment, could
also have a substantial influence. If attempts
were successful in achieving a renewable
resources deduction at source, like, for exam-
ple, the steel quota, as representatives of the
NF branch have been claiming for years, there
would be considerable advantages for NF re-
inforced composites. A practical solution could
be that the actual share of renewable resources
be credited to each vehicle as material recycling
- regardless of whether the part is used ener-
getically or materially. This approach would be
justified by the fact that even in the case of
burning the renewable resources shares, the
CO
2
balance would be almost neutral. Right
now, this would result in a mere 3.6 kg of natu-
ral fibres on average per vehicle; but vehicles
with considerably larger amounts of 20 or 30
kg have been produced successfully in series
for years and could credit these amounts in the
future, according to the model mentioned
above. A respective revision of the End-of-Life
Vehicle Directive would cost Brussels nothing
and would have crucial steering effects.
11.11.2
Press flow moulding
So far, only a few companies have dealt with
the topic of NF press flow moulding. Those
that have are seeing interesting technical and
economic possibilities for this new technique.
11.11.3
PP-NF injection moulding
There are big controversies in the estimation of
market developments in the field of PP-NF
injection moulding. Some people do not see
any relevant application of PP-NF in motor
cars, neither their technical data nor prices are
attractive, others attest to PP-NF' large growth
rates and a huge potential. This applies espe-
cially to WPC material with wood flour and
fibres.
NF granulates and their processing are
often regarded as not yet sophisticated and too
expensive; in addition, there are complaints
that, as yet, there are no established larger sup-
pliers with respective support. Should these
problems be solved, there seems to be real
interest among OEMs and suppliers.
Furthermore, PP-NF granulates are becoming
more and more interesting in view of increas-
ing mineral oil and glass fibre prices.
These different estimates are due partly to
the fact that the current market of PP-NF gran-
ulates is very confusing and the various granu-
lates can differ in their mechanical properties
and prices at a factor of up to 2. Many poten-
tial customers do not know the current biggest
and best suppliers.
11.13
Sources of Previous Data
Comparable nova-Institut market studies from
previous years:
Use of natural fibres in composites in the
•
German automotive production 1996 to
2003.
The use of natural fibres has further
increased despite recession and pricing
pressure, PP natural fibre injection mould-
ing with first series applications. Publisher:
nova-Institut, Hürth, Germany, September
2004, 16 pages (long version); authors:
Karus, M., Ortmann, S. and Vogt, D. (also
a free short version is available (4 pages)).
Use of natural fibres in composites in
11.12
Political Framework
•
the German and Austrian automotive
industry - market survey 2002: status,
analysis and trends.
Publisher: nova-
Institut, Hürth, Germany, February 2003,
5 pages; authors: Karus, M., Kaup, M.
and Ortmann, S.
A favourable political framework could help
biomaterials experience considerable growth.
For example, forced measures for the reduc-
tion of CO
2
emissions should be mentioned
here. In this sector particularly, natural fibres
