These images are drawn from a study of the role different types of nonwovens play in our lives, and their effect and impact, highlighting that nonwovens not only play a huge part in our lives, but in how we live them, the association reports.

 The infographic has been made available to the public via the EDANA website - www.edana.org/discover-nonwovens/products-applications/automotive .

Awareness and understanding

“EDANA represents the full value nonwovens chain, from raw materials to converted products, and in our industry, we have seen sustainability mature to an ever greater awareness and understanding of the impact and value of products that we use in our lives every day,” said Pierre Conrath, Director of Sustainability and Public Affairs.

“By studying the impact nonwovens have in all types of vehicles, we’re able to see a slice of life that hadn’t previously been studied, which has shown some amazing facts about the value of nonwovens.”

Automotive applications

Nonwovens are used in many different applications in vehicles, from temperature and sound insulation, seating, boot and wheel arch liners, and linings and carpets throughout the vehicle.

Every year, around 13 million new passenger cars are registered in the EU. If every one of those cars used modern nonwoven materials, 800,000 tonnes of CO2 could be saved, according to EDANA. Nonwovens are between 15-30% lighter than the traditional materials they replace, making each car more than 2kgs lighter.

Positive examples

By replacing heavier, less efficient materials, nonwovens use less fuel, generating less greenhouse gas emissions. This is said to lead to an improved air quality, as well as a reduction of resources, and better health for all people.

“Representing the nonwovens and related industries, we have many positive examples to share about our member’s businesses and products,” said Abby Bailey, Director of Marketing and Communications. “And these infographics are a new way in which we can help get the story out, and explain the way in which their products help to make our life not only better, but more sustainable.”

The data collected in these studies will be included in the next Sustainability report, due to be released by EDANA in the first quarter of 2015.

 www.edana.org