Design for Acoustics & Thermal Excellence: Balanced With Sustainable Economic Development

Acoustical and Thermal treatments for automotive applications are constructed using a number of different materials and composites. These range from the simple needled felt absorber, to the sophisticated multi layer composites to provide noise and thermal Improvements. Since, in most cases a finish fabric or treatment typically covers these materials, the actual color of these substrates has not really been a key design criteria. This has allowed the Acoustics Integrators, when the function of the part is not compromised, to utilize recycled, and byproduct materials. These materials often provide superior performance, lighter weight, and reduced cost from the use of virgin materials. This model of Source Reduction for Acoustical and Thermal Product Design supports the environmentally sustainable Eco system.

The End of Life directive may open up more recycled material streams by providing the necessary infrastructure to recover and process the automotive materials. The industry needs to be open to use these materials, and consider review of material specs, and design in order to achieve the End of Vehicle Life (ELV) targets it has set for itself. (Wastewatch, 2004)