The automotive industry, for example, uses a huge amount of plastics. In 2005, in Western Europe alone, 2.5 million tonnes of plastics went into automotive applications. Today almost every car manufacturer sees environmental responsibility and sustainability as important aspects of their industry, and as a result the automotive industry - the OEMs and their suppliers - is not only interested in bioplastics, but an increasing number of companies are evaluating the use of new, ecologically sound materials.
That's why bioplastics MAGAZINE has a special editorial focus in this issue, highlighting the first positive steps, from resins through tyres to series production applications. Our cover photo shows a 270 PS biodiesel racing car that has a body made from linseed oil acrylate reinforced with flax fibre - demonstrating that the use of renewable resources in the automotive industry, even today, can go far beyond conventional fibre-reinforced parts such as inner door trim, rear shelves or spare wheel covers.