EU Proposal Sparks Confusion Over Possible Carbon Fiber Ban

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Carbon fiber has become a staple in the automotive world thanks to its strength and low weight — especially in sports cars and performance parts. However, recent discussions within the European Union have raised concerns about carbon fiber’s safety — particularly during the recycling process.

A draft amendment to the EU’s End-of-Life Vehicles Directive (ELVD) suggested that carbon fiber be classified as a "hazardous material" alongside substances like lead and mercury. As news outlets reported on the proposed change and concern spread throughout the auto industry, EU officials clarified that carbon fiber would not be added to the restricted materials list — and emphasized that it had only been part of a draft proposal, not official legislation.

The End-of-Life Vehicles Directive (ELVD), part of the EU’s environmental policy framework, is responsible for guiding how vehicles are dismantled and recycled to reduce environmental impact. The directive raised concerns that airborne carbon fiber filaments could pose skin and respiratory hazards — though concrete evidence, especially related to automotive applications, remains limited.

While installing carbon fiber parts poses little risk, the concern lies in what happens when those parts are dismantled or recycled — a process that can release fine particles into the air. According to Road & Track, the government group stated that discarding carbon fiber can lead to tiny particles made of resin-bound carbon fiber becoming airborne, potentially causing irritation to the skin and eyes of nearby workers.

The EU explained that humans shouldn't recycle carbon fiber since it can cause harm if its dust comes in contact with skin, mucous membranes, or internal tissues. A study published in ScienceDirect supports some of these concerns, noting that carbon fiber dust can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation in certain conditions.

This information was shared in the new amendment, but the proposal was just that — a proposal. By the time automotive media picked up the story, the language had already been walked back.

When the possible carbon fiber ban went viral earlier this week, Japan's carbon fiber manufacturers saw their stocks drop, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. Companies like Mitsubishi Chemical, Toray Industries, and Teijin — which together control more than half the global carbon fiber market — were among those affected. The remaining share is made up mostly of European manufacturers. The extreme reaction is due to the automotive industry making up 20% of carbon fiber sales.

As the automotive industry continued to panic, Motor1 Italia reached out to the European Parliament for clarification on whether carbon fiber was truly facing a ban. By then, the proposal had already been revised — removing carbon fiber from any restricted materials list and effectively ending the panic.

According to Maintworld, the carbon fiber industry, valued at $5.5 billion in 2022 and projected to reach $16 billion by 2032, relies heavily on the automotive sector — especially manufacturers of sports cars, supercars, and EVs. For automakers and car enthusiasts alike, the clarification came as a major relief.

While drivers are relieved that their cars can still sport carbon fiber parts, the alarming would-be ban did get them talking about possible changes that could ensure carbon fiber isn't bad for the environment once cars are scrapped.

In a discussion about the possibility of a ban, one forum member put it best:  “ Batteries have amazing benefits, but you can't just throw them away with regular garbage. Are they bad? No. You just need to dispose of them properly. I understand that it may be harder to recycle carbon fiber, but this just means we can develop the tech further.”