Page 62 - Plastics News January 2023

Wonderfully Versatile: Plastics Shape the Car of the Future

right material to implement the de-
signs?

Horisberger: We are dealing here
with the reversal of the normal ap-
proach to a product, because often
the prevailing principle is ‘form fol-
lows function’. But when we look at a
car from a sustainability perspective,
nterview with Alex Horisberger, to be met? materials and manufacturing tech-
ISenior Specialist Product Design, Horisberger: Durability, recyclability nologies have to come first. In this
BASF and simplicity play a crucial role in project, the boundaries were pushed

The versatility of plastic is one of the novel concept. At the same time, further and further, whether by using
its strongest characteristics, and the aim was to make sustainability materials in unusual ways or by fun-
it makes it particularly popular look good. And in terms of produc- damentally rethinking the design of a
amongst designers. Once you have tion technology, the simplification component.
found the right plastic for a project, principle was also consistently imple- Which plastics are used in the con-
you have endless design possibilities. mented; for example, the driver and cept car and why exactly these?
Plastic is also a favored material for passenger doors are identical. During
BASF’s design team: in collaboration development and design, we worked Horisberger: To make Citroën’s vi-
with Citroën, the chemical company closely with Citroën to select the sion of reusability and simplicity a
rethought the classic car – with plas- right materials from BASF’s broad reality, BASF relied on the material
tic as the central building block that portfolio. of a single TPU product family for
made the implementation of the in- To what extent can plastics help meet the interior, for example, thereby fa-
novative concept possible in the first these challenges? cilitating mechanical recycling at the
place. end of the product life cycle. Thanks
Horisberger: Plastics are incredibly to their versatility, our TPU grades
Mr. Horisberger, you developed the versatile and can therefore contrib- enable different functions in the pro-
oli concept car with Citroën. How ute to the functionality and func- cess. One visionary highlight of the
can we imagine it? concept, for example, was the pro-
tional integration of many vehicle
Alex Horisberger: In many aspects, components. Our polyamides have duction of a 3D-printed seat made of
the concept car answers questions also proven their long-term durabil- TPU material that is both highly flex-
that are directed at the mobility of ity many times over under typical ible and functional. The iconic stor-
tomorrow: How can I simplify my automotive conditions without aging age compartment (Elastollan) and
commute? Can a vehicle save re- or corrosion. Of course, the sustain- the vehicle floor (Infinergy) are made
sources and be fun at the same time? ability aspect is also crucial: BASF is from the same product family.
How can it look good at the same developing plastics that enable both
time? The result is a particularly light- mechanical and chemical recycling to
weight yet robust and durable auto- support the industry in its transition
mobile – without frills, unnecessary from a linear to a circular economy.
luxuries and well thought out down In addition, these engineering plastics
to the smallest detail. can be made from renewable or re-
cycled raw materials.
What challenges arise in such a de-
velopment? What requirements have As a company, how do you find the

62 PLASTICS NEWS January 2023