Carbon Fiber at Risk? Europe’s New Law Could Change EVs Forever

The future of lightweight performance cars could face a serious challenge, as the European Union considers labeling carbon fiber as a hazardous material. Known for its strength and weight-saving benefits, carbon fiber is a favorite among sports car and electric vehicle manufacturers. But a new amendment proposed by the European Parliament could disrupt that balance in a big way.

Lawmakers are now reviewing a revision to the End of Life Vehicles Directive, which governs how vehicles are recycled. The updated legislation suggests adding carbon fiber to the same list that includes toxic materials like mercury, cadmium, and lead. The concern? Tiny carbon fiber particles could become airborne and pose health risks when they come into contact with human skin.

This would be the first time any government has attempted to classify carbon fiber as hazardous. If approved, the changes would roll out starting in 2029, forcing automakers to reduce or eventually eliminate its use from production. Right now, vehicle manufacturing represents around 20 percent of global carbon fiber usage.

Asian suppliers, who dominate the global carbon fiber market, have already taken a financial hit. Japanese companies such as Teijin, Mitsubishi Chemical, and Toray Industries make up more than half of the world’s carbon fiber production. With the European Union leading the legislative push, these firms could see a dramatic shift in demand.

Luxury performance brands and electric vehicle manufacturers would be among the hardest hit. Companies like Tesla, BMW, Lucid, and Hyundai rely heavily on carbon fiber to enhance both performance and efficiency. Losing access to the material would likely force them to rethink their design and engineering processes.

However, the situation is far from final. With carbon fiber being a $5.5 billion industry as of 2024, there is likely to be significant pushback from the automotive and aerospace sectors. These industries rely on carbon fiber not just for speed and efficiency, but also for fuel economy and emissions targets.