Travel

As the world of travel and transport has evolved to meet increasing demands for safety, environmental standards and speed, the use of plastics in transport manufacture has risen dramatically.

All forms of transport depend on energy for movement. Cutting the weight of cars, aeroplanes, boats and trains can cut fuel consumption dramatically. The lightness of plastics therefore makes them invaluable to the transport industry. 105 kg of plastics in place of metal in a car weighing 1,000kg makes possible a fuel saving of up to 7.5%.

Plastics are durable, do not corrode and require little maintenance. They allow freedom of design and fast and economical manufacture.

Cars

More plastics than ever are now used in today’s cars. At the end of a vehicle’s working life, plastics components can be recycled or the energy can be recovered through incineration Plastics versatility aids the automotive industry in meeting ever more stringent requirements in terms of economical performance, safety, comfort and environmental considerations.

Plastics also play a key role in providing cost effective buses and trucks for transporting people and goods efficiently.

Trains

Materials used in locomotives, carriages and other rolling stock have to withstand wear and tear from use. The durability of plastics is one of the factors making them the first choice for engine and carriage panels, flooring, luggage racks, seating and doors.
Planes

The requirements of aerospace require maximum design flexibility and minimal weight. Plastics can be formulated to meet a wide variety of specifications and are ideal for components incorporating smooth curves.

Boats

Plastics’ ability to withstand a harsh marine environment makes them essential in all types of marine craft, from ocean liners to sailing dinghies. Plastics do not corrode or warp and need less maintenance than other traditional materials.