Overview of Plastics Applications in Japanese Auto Interiors

Japanese car manufacturers continue their efforts to improve productivity and reduce cost so that they can survive in this highly competitive trade. They are adopting new materials and fabrication technology, which is bringing about a tremendous change in plastics used for automotive interiors.

The driving force is provided by the development of polymer modification technology and compounding technology by polymer suppliers, the development of improved technology by machinery manufacturers and the cooperation of interior component fabricators. Much credit is due to the formation of a cooperative team between resin companies, equipment suppliers and fabricators.

After studying the progress of the change with our attention focused on polymer modification and compounding, we have made a forecast of the future directions of plastics usage in auto interiors.

Our study suggests that polyolefin will be the dominant material for automotive interiors.