Eco-efficient materials for bluer skies

Airbus researchers discuss material options to fulfill current and potential environmental requirements over a product's in-service life.

In accordance with the guideline given by Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe (ACARE) and EADS Vision 2020, the development of eco-efficient materials and the corresponding industrial processes is key to reducing the environmental impact of the aeronautics industry. It is a clear need to fulfill legislative requirements-e.g., REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of CHemical substances) or solvent legislation-as well as to be in line with EADS' internal commitments given in the frame of ISO 14001 certification. In this context, environmental-friendly materials and processes are enablers for new aircraft design solutions and also the basis to improve existing aircraft design and build processes.

Based on March 2011 figures, 43 entries (groups of substances) are mentioned in the so-called REACH candidate list. Considering the distribution of products that contain these substances and that are currently in use for the Airbus build process, the highest impact is found on products used for aircraft surface protection (89%). The remaining 11% are spread between composite (7%), metallic (3%), and assembly (1%) technology.