FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Matthew Kastner (202) 249-6623
Email: [email protected]
WASHINGTON (September 10, 2025) – Plastics are essential to making today’s cars safer, more affordable, and longer-lasting, according to a new report released today by the American Chemistry Council (ACC). The Chemistry and Automobiles report finds that U.S. automakers increasingly rely on plastics and polymer composites to protect drivers and improve performance and fuel savings.
Plastics are at the heart of life-saving safety applications in vehicles. From seat belts and airbags to advanced driver assistance systems and energy-absorbing bumpers, these components protect millions of people on the road every day. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts made from polyester reduce the risk of front-seat passenger deaths by 45%, while airbags made from high-strength nylon have saved more than 50,000 lives since 1987. Fiber-reinforced composites, according to NHTSA, can absorb four times more crush energy than steel.
“Plastics are the hidden safety heroes in every car on the road,” said Ross Eisenberg, president of America’s Plastic Makers™. “From seat belts to airbags, these materials protect families every single day, and they enable advanced safety features like cameras and sensors that power today’s driver assistance systems.”
The report also shows how plastics contribute to more fuel-efficient automobiles. Though plastics make up more than half of a vehicle’s volume, they account for less than 10% of its weight. In 2024, the average vehicle contained 429 pounds of plastics, a 19% increase over the last decade. Bolstered by a greater use of plastics in vehicles over the past several decades, real-world fuel efficiency has more than doubled since 1975, reaching 26.9 miles per gallon in 2023.
“Every pound of plastics replacing heavier materials helps drivers save money,” said Gina Oliver, senior director, durable markets at ACC. “Plastics deliver performance and efficiency that benefit both consumers and the climate.”
Beyond safety and efficiency, plastics enable the features drivers increasingly expect. Plastics are essential to EV batteries and navigation screens, as well as everyday components like dashboards, seats and panels. They allow automakers to create sleeker designs, improve handling, and reduce noise and vibration, making cars more comfortable, dependable, and enjoyable to drive.
“Plastics don’t just make cars lighter – they make them smarter, safer, and more fun to drive,” said Oliver. “As American automakers push for the next generation of innovation, plastics and chemistry will continue to deliver the materials that make it possible.”
Plastics are helping to drive American auto manufacturing, a sector that employs approximately one million U.S. workers in motor vehicle and parts production. States like Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana anchor this high-skill workforce, where plastics help keep factories running, strengthen U.S. competitiveness, and sustain communities across the nation.
American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division
The American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division represents America’s Plastic MakersSM and the hundreds of thousands of scientists, engineers and technicians who develop plastics essential to modern life. From healthcare and clean energy to transportation and safe food and water, plastics drive innovation and strengthen the U.S. economy by supporting key industries and creating well-paying jobs. Companies are investing billions annually in U.S. production and recycling, advancing manufacturing and efficiency across economic sectors. We envision a future where all plastic products are reused or recycled, conserving resources and creating a cleaner, safer and more resilient world.
American Chemistry Council
The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.
