The European Union is considering a proposal to classify carbon fiber as a hazardous material, a move that could have sweeping consequences for the automotive and aerospace industries. If passed, the amendment would require automakers to gradually phase out the lightweight, high-strength material starting in 2029.
The proposed change comes as part of a revision to the EU’s End-of-Life Vehicles Directive, which governs recycling and environmental standards for scrapped cars. Lawmakers argue that carbon fiber, widely used for its strength-to-weight advantages, could pose health risks if airborne filaments come into contact with human skin. This marks the first time a government has formally considered labeling carbon fiber as hazardous.
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The EU currently lists substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium as hazardous under its materials directive. Adding carbon fiber to that list would significantly impact its use in vehicle construction, particularly in sectors that rely on advanced lightweight materials for performance and efficiency.
Japan’s carbon fiber manufacturers saw shares decline following the proposal, according to Nikkei Asia. Japanese companies Teijin, Toray Industries, and Mitsubishi Chemical collectively supply over half of the world’s carbon fiber, and Asia would be among the regions most affected. European production accounts for much of the remainder.
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Sports and electric vehicle manufacturers, including BMW, Hyundai, Lucid, and Tesla, are among those that could be hardest hit. These automakers use carbon fiber to reduce vehicle weight and improve performance, especially in high-end and long-range models.
Despite potential disruptions, industry resistance is expected. Carbon fiber represented a $5.5 billion global industry in 2024, and stakeholders from both the automotive and aerospace sectors are likely to push back against the measure. A final decision on the amendment has yet to be made by the European Parliament.