On behalf of the Growth Dimensions' AgTech Initiative, the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) investigated the current and emergent applications of biobased materials within the automotive sector; the study suggests that there is significant potential for the expansion of biobased automotive parts and components manufacturing in the Great Lakes region.
The study cites, "In general, the commercialization process could benefit from strong stakeholder involvement and the creation of partnerships and institutions to promote the research and institutional support necessary to overcome current barriers to implementation.
The report provides a solid understanding of the current status of use of bio-based materials in automotive parts and components; however, additional steps are needed to obtain a full grasp on the current and potential size of the bio-based material market in the automotive sector.
The report also identifies several successful approaches to increase commercialization of biobased materials in automotive components.
The purpose for the study was to improve our AgTech Initiative's capabilities in readily identifying and facilitating business opportunities for increased market penetration of bio-based plastics, polymers, and composites into supply chains feeding the automotive industry.
"With Belvidere home to a Chrysler Assembly Plant that is completing a $700 million retooling expansion as well as 11 suppliers all expected to employ over 6,000 people, we have an embedded public interest in the automotive industry which is clearly one of our base industries," stated Mark Williams, Executive Director of Growth Dimensions. "Combining this with the fact that the Growth Dimensions and Northern Illinois University partnership gained significant networking capacity in the biomass material supply chain industry, this study will allow us to more effectively align our efforts with our local and regional economic base."
Growth Dimensions selected CAR to complete the study because CAR has developed strong ties with the original equipment manufacturers, automotive suppliers, as well as with economic development agencies, workforce organizations, and communities that work hand-in-hand with the automotive sector. Thus, CAR is uniquely positioned to obtain and distribute key industry knowledge related to biobased material demand levels and adoption trends.
