Composites United was part of the broad industry initiative against the carbon fiber ban in vehicle construction
Composites United e.V. takes stock at the 4th Jour Fixe Lightweight Design Policy meeting. The focus was on the planned revision of the EU End-of-Life Vehicles Directive (ELV), which in the first draft by the parliamentary committees, had provided for a de facto ban on carbon fibers in vehicle construction. Through targeted information activities at the European level, CU was able to make a decisive contribution to preventing this wording – an important success for the entire lightweight construction industry. Other topics included the fact-based classification of fiber abrasion in wind turbines and EU funding opportunities.
With around 40 participants from state ministries, industry, research, and lightweight design networks, the 4th Composites United e.V. (CU) Lightweight Design Policy Jour Fixe took place on June 23, 2025. The digital format was once again moderated by Dr. Tjark von Reden, CEO of CU. The focus of the meeting was the impending inclusion of carbon fibers in the list of “toxic substances” under the new End-of-Life Vehicles Directive (ELV) – a move that would have had far-reaching consequences for lightweight design in the automotive sector.
EU Regulation on the disposal of end-of-life vehicles (ELV): CU plays a key role in averting the ban on the use of carbon fibers
The EU End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Regulation, also known as the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive, regulates the collection, treatment, and recycling of end-of-life vehicles in the European Union. The aim is to minimize the environmental impact of end-of-life vehicles and promote the circular economy in the automotive sector.
The amendment to Article 5, Paragraph 3, introduced in January 2025 by the ENVI and IMCO committees, would have effectively banned the use of carbon fibers in vehicle construction. There was a huge international outcry from industry and associations, and the CU addressed the issue at an early stage with leading representatives of the EU Commission and Parliament to point out that there is no scientific basis for including carbon fibers in Article 5.
With success: in the latest draft of the European Council of June 17, 2025, “carbon fibers” were removed again. This is a significant step for the entire industry, as Dr. Tjark von Reden emphasizes: “The fact that we succeeded in preventing this blanket and scientifically untenable classification is the result of consistent networking – both nationally and European. We would like to thank all our partners who worked with us to promote fact-based regulation.”
This process highlights the importance of a fact-based and differentiated assessment of composite materials. The assumption that they are fundamentally non-recyclable does not reflect the current state of science and technology. In fact, proven methods for recovery and recycling already exist today. A general ban would therefore not only have ignored reality, but also significantly hampered lightweight automotive construction and its role in achieving European climate targets.
Facts versus misinformation: Wind turbines and fiber dust
Another topic was the alleged health and environmental hazards posed by abrasion from wind turbine rotor blades. However, scientific studies show that material abrasion is minimal and fiber emissions are practically negligible. The CU clearly advocates for a fact-based discussion and opposes populist distortions that hinder the expansion of renewable energies.
Support programs at EU level: Opportunities for SMEs and start-ups
Ingo Rey from Project Management Jülich presented current EU funding opportunities for composite projects. Particular emphasis was placed on calls for proposals under the Advanced Materials for Industrial Leadership initiative and the bottom-up EIC Accelerator Challenges program, which is specifically aimed at innovative small and medium-sized enterprises. Composites United recommends that interested members familiarize themselves with the tender conditions at an early stage and refers them to the advisory services offered by the National Contact Point.
Conclusion and outlook
The fourth edition of the Jour Fixe Lightweight Design Policy has once again demonstrated that political pressure to act on lightweight design and material innovations is increasing—both nationally and across Europe. Composites United will continue to advocate for technology-friendly framework conditions. The next Jour Fixe will take place on December 8, 2025.
