Skip advert
Advertisement

Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance

Particulates emitted by the disposal of carbon fibre can be harmful to both machinery and human health

Czinger teases 21C's carbon fibre bodywork

It’s bad news for sports car brands, petrolheads and makers of tacky-yet-expensive bodykits alike because carbon fibre could soon be banned, having been declared a “hazardous substance”.

The EU is currently drafting a new version of its End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive, with the principal aim being to ensure the clean recycling of cars at the end of their lifespans, while also avoiding the usage of harmful substances, such as lead and mercury, throughout the production of new models.

Advertisement - Article continues below

A new amendment to the directive attempts to class carbon fibre as “hazardous”, alongside the likes of the aforementioned lead and mercury, as well as cadmium and hexavalent chromium. 

Such an amendment also aims to start limiting the quantity of such substances allowed within specific parts and components; many of the above materials are, at the time of writing, allowed in automotive production as part of an exemption. However, there could soon be a time where they are banned entirely, with manufacturers already beginning to reduce their reliance on them.

Carbon fibre, while offering a unique balance of strength and lightness, could also be in the firing line, primarily down to the particulates emitted when it’s disposed of; shredding the substance creates a shower of tiny conductive particles that can short-circuit machinery and be irritable or painful to human skin.

A ban on carbon fibre could be disastrous for the industry that makes it; the automotive sector accounts for roughly 10-20 per cent of carbon-fibre usage, with the majority being manufactured in Japan. Sports car makers could also be heavily impacted by this, which would come as yet another blow to the industry following the implementation of President Trump’s recent tariffs on imports to the US.

At the moment, there is no indication whether the UK will follow in the EU’s footsteps on the matter. However, it is worth noting that prior to Brexit, the UK did adhere to the ELV Directive (albeit a previous iteration), so it could continue to do so in the future. However, given that the recent consultation on the ZEV Mandate stated the UK would not mirror the EU’s latest tests when it comes to providing more accurate CO2 emissions data for plug-in hybrid vehicles, it’s difficult to say with any certainty what the future might hold.

Did you know you can sell your car through Auto Express? We’ll help you get a great price and find a great deal on a new car, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Consumer reporter

Tom is Auto Express' Consumer reporter, meaning he spends his time investigating the stories that matter to all motorists - enthusiasts or otherwise. An ex-BBC journalist and Multimedia Journalism graduate, Tom previously wrote for partner sites Carbuyer and DrivingElectric and you may also spot him throwing away his dignity by filming videos for the Auto Express social media channels.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Hydrogen cars: are hydrogen fuel-cell cars the future?
Hydrogen pump

Hydrogen cars: are hydrogen fuel-cell cars the future?

Electric cars are entering the mainstream at full force, but do hydrogen cars also have a future on our roads?
Tips & advice
17 Jul 2025
Stellantis says no to hydrogen hype: stops Hydrogen Pro One fuel cell van project in its tracks
Vauxhall Movano Hydrogen connected to Hydrogen pump

Stellantis says no to hydrogen hype: stops Hydrogen Pro One fuel cell van project in its tracks

Clean, but complicated, hydrogen technology is just too hard to justify right now, according to Stellantis
News
16 Jul 2025
Hydrogen cars could soon be greener than EVs
BMW iX5 Hydrogen - front cornering

Hydrogen cars could soon be greener than EVs

If using renewable energy-based hydrogen, the ICCT says fuel cell vehicles could give off 79 per cent fewer emissions over their lifespans than ICE ca…
News
10 Jul 2025
Luxury Mercedes ‘leather’ made from old tyres is great news for the planet, and cows
‘Labfiber Biotech Leather Alternative’ - tyre and leather

Luxury Mercedes ‘leather’ made from old tyres is great news for the planet, and cows

The new material was first seen in the radical AMG GT XX concept, but will be used in the brand’s road cars
News
26 Jun 2025

Most Popular

MG4 and MGS5 EV prices slashed in reply to Government Electric Car Grant
MG4 - rear

MG4 and MGS5 EV prices slashed in reply to Government Electric Car Grant

In order to boost sales, MG is announcing its own a £1,500 grant for some of its EVs
News
21 Jul 2025
Dacia’s baby EV due in 12 months with a tiny £15k price tag
Dacia £15k EV design render

Dacia’s baby EV due in 12 months with a tiny £15k price tag

Dacia's new model will be developed in double-quick time, and it'll be built in Europe to avoid China tariffs
News
24 Jul 2025
Roll over diesel: EVs are now doing the big mileage in the UK
Tesla Model Y - front cornering

Roll over diesel: EVs are now doing the big mileage in the UK

The average UK electric car now covers more than 10,000 miles per year, a similar amount to the average diesel.
News
21 Jul 2025