Biobased solutions for Automotive and Optical Applications

The automotive and optical industries are navigating rapid change, driven by stricter regulations, greater consumer expectations, and a global push for sustainability. Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to replace fossil-based materials and controversial additives like phthalates and bisphenols, ensuring products are safer and environmental impacts are minimized.

One significant trend is the ongoing increase in the use of polymers: today, plastics account for around 50% of a car’s volume while representing just 10% of its total weight, a shift that supports both lightweight design and improved vehicle efficiency

In this landscape, advanced biobased materials are essential. Companies are looking for high-performance solutions that not only meet regulatory requirements but also deliver durability, transparency, and design flexibility for a wide range of automotive and optical components.

Sustainability, performance, and regulatory compliance are no longer “nice to haves”, they’re minimum requirements for tomorrow’s automotive and optical solutions

Displacing these traditional fossil fuel-based polymers with more sustainable alternatives will become increasingly important if we are to minimize the environmental impact of next-gen vehicles from cradle to grave.

Franck Thumerel

Head of Performance Materials & Construction

Partnering for Performance and Compliance

Roquette partners with upstream value chain players in the automotive and optical sectors to support innovation and streamline compliance.
Our technical expertise and secure sourcing help clients stay ahead of regulations, from existing standards to upcoming global restrictions on controversial substances.
Whether you are seeking to advance your sustainability agenda or optimize material performance, we provide both the plant-based expertise and the ingredient portfolio to help you meet the challenges of the modern automotive and optical sectors.

Our solutions for automotive and optical

As a pioneer in plant-based chemistry, Roquette provides materials and building blocks with high-purity, renewable ingredients that help shape the next generation of sustainable polymers.
Our dedicated range of plant-based ingredients enables the creation of compliant, high-quality polymers that help drive both innovation and sustainability in the sector.

Roquette’s plant-based solutions, including POLYSORB® Isosorbide, provide significant benefits for both automotive and optical sectors.

In automotive applications

Isosorbide-based polycarbonates and co-polyesters help manufacturers design lighter, more energy-efficient vehicles by replacing traditional, heavier fossil-based materials.

Polysorb®, Isosorbide exhibits outstanding mechanical strength, impact resistance, UV stability, and durability—making it ideal for components like headlamp housings, dashboard panels, interior trims, and advanced electric vehicle parts. This not only lowers the overall vehicle weight, supporting stricter emissions targets and improved mileage, but also enhances long-term performance and safety.

METHOCEL™ cellulose ethers and POLYOX™ water‑soluble resins support the development and manufacture of high‑quality extruded ceramics for automotive applications. Their binding, stabilizing, and lubricating functions make them well‑suited to advanced ceramic extrusion, where precise rheology control and a broad operating window help improve product performance and consistency. METHOCEL™ is ideal for extruded ceramic substrates and particulate filters and provides key benefits for extruded ceramics, including binding, water retention, thickening, rheology modification, film formation, and lubricity

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In optical applications

POLYSORB® enables the production of high-clarity, transparent materials with excellent resistance to yellowing and superior dimensional stability—qualities that are fundamental in precision optical components, lenses, displays, and covers.

Its high transparency allows for more brilliant colors and glass-like finishes, eliminating the need for secondary painting processes. This simplifies manufacturing, reduces production costs, and eliminates VOC emissions, supporting both design flexibility and environmental goals

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In electronic applications

ETHOCEL™ ethyl cellulose polymers support the development of high-performance electronic parts, including multilayer ceramic capacitors, silver pastes, conductive inks and photovoltaics. As organo-soluble, water-insoluble, multi-functional binders and film formers, ETHOCEL™ provides binding for ceramics, inks, and pastes, along with rheology control in non-aqueous systems—enhancing consistency and performance; customized grades are available to meet specific requirements

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