ECoustics -- Vehicle Sound Package Inspired by Environmental Design

The environmental issues are mounting for a global automotive industry associated with ever-increasing output. Major issues include fuel consumption, vehicle emissions, consumption of non-renewable materials, and recycling of waste materials.

This paper provides an overview of recent advances in new acoustic materials based on recycled and sustainable sources for “environmental” vehicle sound packages that address NVH and trim acoustics requirements. Thanks to new eco-design standards, both the OEM and suppliers can increase and improve eco-friendly aspects such as recycling end of life vehicles.

The use of end of life materials in a new car includes: automotive shredded residue (ASR) such as tire fibers included in damping materials, chips foam from seats for acoustical shields, and automotive shredded residue for acoustical dash insulators.