Plastics Save Fuel

We all know that improving the fuel efficiency of our car saves petrol and reduces emissions, but did you know that our cars are now made of over 50% tough and durable light-weight plastics which significantly reduces their weight and consumption of fuel.

Less weight equals less fuel
Innovation in the automobile industry means that today's vehicles are made increasingly from plastics. Plastics car bumpers, internal engine parts, interior fittings and headlamps are now the mainstream. The good news is that for every 10 percent reduction in weight, fuel economy improves by 5-7 percent, saving money at the pump and resulting in fewer C02 emissions.

An excellent example of the impact of modern plastics engineering is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner whose fuselage is made from three plastic composite sections. This serves to reduce fuel by as much as 20%.

Distribution fuel savings
The light weight of plastics results in more efficient distribution of products. The use of plastic drink bottles allows a distribution truck to carry up to 63% more drink and 83% less packaging than other alternative types of container. Fuel savings of up to 39% are achieved. Similarly, seven trucks are needed to deliver the same quantity of paper bags contained in just one truckload of plastic bags.

Considerable fuel savings are made every day as a result of the use of plastics.