Fiber in the Driver's Seat

Textiles Ensure Safety, Performance, Comfort and Reliability in Transportation

Transportation, which includes the automotive, aerospace, railways and marine sectors, represents one of the largest markets for technical textiles, with fibers used in significant volumes for a wide range of end uses.

Fabrics for transport are subjected to a range of environmental conditions, including abrasion and fluctuating temperatures, while developments have been geared towards improving durability, weather resistance and safety.

At the same time, momentum is growing amongst automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers for the development of products that, from the initial design phase, consider eco-design, for example, by constructing mono-polymer carpets and flooring that are 100% recyclable at end of life.

For example, Autoneum has introduced an automotive tufted carpet made of 100% polyester that is fully recyclable. The floorcovering also has a high content of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), according to the Switzerland-based producer of acoustic and thermal insulation systems. The company’s zero-waste and latex-free manufacturing process is claimed to significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as well as water and energy consumption.

Belgium-based BIG Yarns, part of Beaulieu International Group, expects the automotive carpet market to grow strongly in the coming decade with the increased demand for vehicle customization and personalization driven by owners looking to upgrade and enhance interiors, including the flooring area.

The company notes that a growing awareness around hygiene is also boosting the market as consumers become more conscious of maintaining cleanliness in their vehicles, including the floors. “Automotive carpets provide an effective solution by trapping dirt and preventing it from spreading to other areas,” said BIG Yarns.