In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable and silent mobility, Autoneum, the automotive industry innovator, has introduced its Propylat technology, originally crafted by Borgers Automotive and acquired by Autoneum in April 2023.
This versatile technology boasts a flexible material blend of natural and synthetic fibers, showcasing a commitment to sustainability with high recycled content. What sets Propylat apart is its role in substantial waste reduction, achieved through complete vertical integration in the production process. An eco-friendly twist comes with the fully recyclable variant, Propylat PET, now proudly featured in the Autoneum Pure portfolio.
As the world shifts towards electric vehicles and stringent sustainability regulations, car manufacturers face new challenges. Propylat-based products not only excel in reducing interior and exterior noise but also prove to be up to 50% lighter than their plastic counterparts. This not only lightens the vehicle but also contributes to reduced fuel consumption, energy efficiency, and lower CO2 emissions.
Propylat’s composition includes a blend of recycled synthetic and natural fibers like cotton, jute, flax, or hemp, all held together by thermoplastic binding fibers without additional chemical binders. The flexibility in fiber composition, combined with variable density and thickness, allows tailoring each Propylat variant to meet individual customer requirements. This adaptability enables diverse applications in both interior and exterior components, ranging from wheelhouse outer liners and trunk trims to underbody systems and carpets.
Propylat-based wheelhouse outer liners, for instance, not only minimize rolling noise inside and outside the vehicle but also offer superior protection against stone chipping and spray water.
What’s more, Autoneum’s commitment to sustainability shines through as Propylat always incorporates a significant proportion of recycled fibers—some variants even reach 100%. Manufacturing with zero waste further establishes its eco-friendly credentials. The game-changing Propylat PET, made entirely from PET, with up to 70% recycled fibers, is fully recyclable at the end of its product life, replacing the existing Mono-Liner technology.
This cutting-edge technology is currently making waves in Europe, North America, and China, transforming the automotive landscape towards a quieter, greener future.