European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks after a meeting with representatives of the European automotive industry as part of a strategic dialogue on the future of the European automotive industry on March 3, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. Reuters
The European Union’s recent announcement that it would ban the use of carbon fiber in the automotive industry has caused a stir in the industry. The EU pushed for tougher sanctions, citing the potential harmfulness of carbon fiber and a lack of recycling infrastructure, but faced stiff opposition from major manufacturers in Japan and South Korea, as well as the automotive industry at large. We eventually put the plan on hold, but the essence of the problem remains. The EU’s message to the global materials industry is clear. No matter how high-performing a material is, it is difficult to gain a foothold in the European market without a comprehensive consideration of environmental impact, safety, and recycling schemes. This could have a major impact across industries.
Carbon fiber is considered a key material for the next generation of green industries due to its lightweight and strength. However, the manufacturing process consumes a lot of energy, and composites are difficult to recycle. While supporting a green industry, it can also create other environmental problems. It is this contradiction that the EU has noted in its regulatory drive. While the benefits are clear, the EU’s shift in stance is significant in that it calls for regulations and policies that take into account recycling and environmental burdens.
The EU’s regulations go beyond environmental issues and take on the character of strategic industrial policy. Currently, the market is dominated by Japanese and South Korean companies, and the EU is looking to increase its material independence in the region and ensure sustainable supply chains. This announcement and retraction is just the beginning. The EU is likely to strengthen the competitiveness of its materials industry and introduce stricter regulations on carbon fiber in the long term.
Governments and industry must act quickly to ensure the sustainability of the carbon fiber industry. Current pyrolysis methods have limitations in terms of energy consumption and recycling rates, and chemical recycling is needed to strengthen circular recycling. In particular, the application of new epoxy resins with circular and recyclable design is emerging as an alternative. These technologies will play an important role in increasing the recyclability of carbon fibers and minimizing their environmental impact. Governments must also provide long-term policy support and invest in R&D.
The EU’s regulatory rollback is not just crisis avoidance. It’s a sign that stricter sustainability standards are coming. The EU’s withdrawal marks the beginning of a major shift, and it’s likely that stronger policies and regulations will emerge in the future. While this will provide the carbon fiber industry with opportunities to explore new growth strategies, it will also present greater challenges. The carbon fiber industry needs to explore new growth strategies with technological innovation and sustainability at the center, and is poised for bolder and more responsible development.
– Gohmoo Joo, Professor of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University
Article source. Contributed to The Korea Times
