Plastics

As the automotive industry continues to be an ever-relevant space, there are plenty of opportunities for composite materials, including those made with natural fibers, to be integrated into both the interiors and exteriors of vehicles. This article covers some of the technologies exhibited at JEC World 2026.

The green energy market is increasingly drawing attention as sustainability motivations soar in line with regulation and environmental awareness. This article covers some of the companies exhibiting at JEC World 2026 in Paris, where IDTechEx spoke with multiple players within the composite market.

White biotechnology is a key step in a circular economy, enabling the transformation of waste to industrially useful chemicals via a sustainable process. This article delves into two of the key market drivers for industrial biomanufacturing: government policy and technology advancement.

As the demand for sustainable, high-performance ingredients continues to grow, specialty chemicals are emerging as a critical focus area in the chemical industry's transition to greener, more precise manufacturing. Unlike commodity chemicals, which are produced in high volumes and valued for their scale, specialty chemicals are defined by their function, purity, and compliance with rigorous performance or regulatory standards. These chemicals are essential to a wide range of products, from food and cosmetics to catalysts and coatings, and their production presents both technical challenges and commercial opportunity.

This article covers the use of self-healing and sustainable materials in infrastructure and vehicle manufacturing, and how they may promote environmental awareness, safety, and lowered long-term costs.

Functionality is at the heart of in-mold electronics - a technology concerned with creating seamlessly integrated electronic functions into hardware, particularly within automotive interiors. This article covers the latest innovations within IME and the role it can play in the automotive sector.

Microplastics have emerged as a major environmental concern, prompting growing public awareness and increasing regulatory pressure. In response, industries are turning to biodegradable polymer alternatives. In this article, IDTechEx explores whether biodegradable plastics can address microplastic pollution.

Increased efficiency and flexibility are two increasingly desirable qualities of photovoltaics, and the implementation of new materials and form factors could reshape the landscape of solar energy. This article covers developments in thin-film photovoltaic technology and the adoption of new materials like perovskites.

In electric vehicle (EV) batteries, coatings play a critical role in enhancing performance, safety and longevity. This article highlights the latest technologies, developments, applications and outlook for advanced coatings in EV battery applications. Fire protection, dielectric insulation, corrosion protection and thermally conductive coatings are all covered.