The International Trend in Biocomposites

Nonwood natural fiber-plastic composites are mostly produced in Europe, and their primary apphcations are in the interior automotive body. The European Union End of Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive (2000/53/EC) specifies that by 2015 vehicles must be made of 95% recyclable materials - 85% recoverable through reuse or mechanical recychng and 10% recoverable through energy recovery or thermal recycling [21]. This pohcy will stimulate more uses of biocomposite materials. Indeed, the demand for natural fiber composites is reported to grow 17%/year in the European automotive sector, with a projected capacity of 800 000 metric tons by 2016 [22]. 

Door panels Flax/sisal with thermoset resin 

Seat surface/backrest Coconut fiber/natural 

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