Composites are inherently lightweight alternatives to metal and other materials, enabling sustainability initiatives such as material reduction and fuel economy improvements in many end products. Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation and reduce carbon footprint  

Visitors to Avient’s booth #17 can expect to see examples of foamed parts and molded-in-colors for automotive interiors, including aesthetic effects such as speckles, sparkles, and metallics, in addition to the latest ColorForward™ Color Trend Forecast. Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation and reduce carbon footprint  

Manufactured and commercially available in North America only, they provide a UL 94 flame rating and structural integrity to manufacturers seeking alternatives to metal or underperforming short-fiber solutions. Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation and reduce carbon footprint

It’s a cost-effective option for paint replacement on polymer parts and creates an exceptional metallic color that continues through the part’s thickness. Lightweighting is also part of this trend, and its Polystrand™ thermoplastic composite continuous fiber tapes and laminates are providing the structural strength to replace metals while amplifying design freedom.

Avient’s new Cesa Non-PFAS Process Aid delivers performance characteristics similar to traditional fluoropolymer-based options, reducing friction between the polymer and the metal, allowing the polymer to be more easily extruded. Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation and reduce carbon footprint

Employing just a small amount of time exploring new options—metallic effects, camouflage, shimmers, and more—can pay off in terms of new and/or expanded business. If fear of the unknown is an issue, or if a former experience with metallics or pearlescents, for example, has created fear of using them again, consider asking your colorant supplier for ways to avoid these issues. 

Polystrand™ thermoplastic composite laminate solution replaced metal and provided excellent corrosion resistance  Get fast facts on these strong, lightweight alternatives to metal

OnColor™ Brilliant Metallics - Product Bulletin (English) Learn how OnColor Brilliant Metallic Colorants produce a striking look for polymer parts (English language version)

OnColor™ Brilliant Metallics - Product Bulletin (English) Learn how OnColor Brilliant Metallic Colorants produce a striking look for polymer parts (English language version)

Replacing Metal with Vinyl - Case Study Explore how replacing metal with vinyl materials can shine a light on value.