Clients: Polymeris, Cluster MECH, ThermoPlastic composites Application Center, Cluster MAV, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Bydgoszcz Industrial Cluster, Jozef Stefan Institute, IMAST, South West Hungarian Engineering Cluster, Funding Box
Date: 2024
Location: Europe
Bax’s Advanced Materials Team developed a technology roadmap for lightweight materials with contributions with key stakeholders from the Automotive, Aerospace, Energy, and Building sectors. Through a series of collaborative workshops and comprehensive research, decision-makers can gain tailored insights into leveraging polymer-based composites, light metal alloys, and ceramic matrix composites to drive innovation and sustainability. The roadmap offers actionable strategies to prioritise material advancements that align with Europe’s climate targets and industrial needs.
The development and integration of lightweight materials are vital for transforming four key industrial sectors—Automotive, Aerospace, Energy, and Building towards sustainability and resource efficiency. However, these industries face challenges in adopting advanced materials such as polymer-based composites, light metal alloys, and ceramic matrix composites. Stricter EU regulations on CO2 emissions, recyclability requirements, and material performance demand innovative solutions. To address these needs, stakeholders require clear technological insights and actionable guidance to prioritise the most impactful advancements.
Approach
Bax hosted sector-specific workshops and conducted in-depth research to create a comprehensive roadmap. Collaborating with stakeholders across the value chain, the team identified key challenges and innovations for each sector:
- Automotive: Thermoplastic materials and embedded sensors for enhanced recyclability.
- Aerospace: High-strength alloys and nanocomposites for efficiency and compliance.
- Energy: Polymer composites and biodegradable materials for sustainable energy solutions.
- Building: Energy-efficient, recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact.
Impact
This roadmap equips decision-makers with a strategic framework to guide policy development and investment in lightweight material technologies. By fostering innovation and addressing sector-specific challenges, the initiative directly supports the EU’s ambitious climate targets, including a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. It empowers industries to align material advancements with regulatory requirements and sustainability goals while driving progress across key sectors.
Technology roadmaps are essential tools for driving innovation and competitiveness in Europe’s key industrial sectors. BAX led the development of the AMULET Technology Roadmap to accelerate the adoption of lightweight materials, including polymer composites, light metal alloys, and ceramic matrix composites. By engaging stakeholders across the value chain, this initiative provides industries with actionable strategies to enhance sustainability, meet EU climate targets, and address regulatory challenges through material innovation.
– Indira Altynbekova, Advanced Materials Consultant
