2 Ways Automotive Manufacturers Are Decarbonizing Their Plastic Portfolio by 2030
What does decarbonizing mean for manufacturers?
Decarbonization is a big word, with many meanings depending on your industry. In metal, it is attributed to the energy used to make your parts. In plastic, it is attributed to the feedstock material that makes the plastic, i.e. petroleum.
Plastic manufacturers have a harder challenge than steel because to reduce their carbon footprint they must change their entire supply chain. This is almost impossible to start because of the costs associated with that change, not just the increase in material cost but also entirely new production equipment.
Industry needs a tangible path forward that reduces the costs of products while maintaining performance.
Two ways automotive manufacturers are decarbonizing their plastic portfolios by 2030
Scope 3 emissions are one of the biggest challenges for manufacturers. Identifying paths to reduce the carbon footprint of the products they use is the most debated conversation at Fortune 100 companies around the world.
The reason this problem exists is because the process of starting an entirely new supply chain and product line that meets or exceeds an existing commodities cost and performance is an impossible task. These industries require time to optimize their processes and achieve those goals.
The Path To Carbon Neutral Plastic Parts by 2030
It can take upwards of 5-7 years to have a new material specced into a car part. This means that every plastic part on a car today needs to be looked at as an opportunity by 2030.
The Heartland team is working with hundreds of plastic manufacturers and Tier 1 automotive suppliers to decarbonize their plastic portfolios. This work is complex, having strict performance and cost metrics along with big supply chain requirements for fiber production.
We will need the time it takes to get everything online and stabilized.
Carbon Neutral Reusable Plastic Packaging by 2025
Every manufacturer uses pallets, crates, and totes throughout their warehouse.
Over the last twenty years, most of the industry has transitioned to plastic because of its reusability and recyclability.
Heartland is working with suppliers to help reduce the carbon footprint of existing plastic with natural fiber additives. This is a key component of delivering carbon-neutral plastic packaging.
Overall, this process has been accepted well by the industry, promoting a lower-cost, lower-weight product with the same performance. This indicator is the main driver of the adoption of these materials, outside of the sustainable nature of the material.
Where can I start on my journey to decarbonize my plastic products?
Connect with the Heartland team to discuss options for how you can begin your decarbonization journey.
Join us in creating a carbon negative future!