Published: April 2026
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Sabic used the Plastics in Automotive Engineering (PIAE) 2026 exhibition in Baden-Baden, Germany, to introduce a new portfolio of advanced materials aimed at reshaping automotive design across ADAS systems, electric vehicles, and next-generation lighting architectures.
The announcement reflects a broader industry shift: automotive materials are no longer evaluated purely on cost or weight—but increasingly on multi-functional performance, sustainability, and system integration capability.
Recycled-content materials move into high-performance applications
Among the most notable launches were new LNP Elcrin SLX compounds, incorporating post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.
The newly introduced grades include:
- SLX2373RCC (30% PCR content)
- SLX2375RCC (45% PCR content)
These materials are engineered to deliver:
- high weatherability
- strong impact resistance
- long-term surface durability
- high-gloss, molded-in color without painting
This last point is critical.
By eliminating the need for paint, these materials help:
- reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions
- simplify manufacturing processes
- improve recyclability at end-of-life
At PIAE, Sabic showcased real-world applications including:
- shark-fin antennas
- heated ADAS radomes
These examples highlight how recycled-content materials are now moving beyond non-critical components into functional and exterior automotive systems.
ADAS systems demand multi-functional materials
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are placing new demands on materials, particularly in sensor housing and electronic components.
Sabic introduced the LNP Konduit WTF2C compound, designed to meet these requirements through a combination of:
- thermal conductivity
- electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding
- mechanical strength
- chemical resistance
These properties are essential for components such as:
- radar housings
- LiDAR systems
- electronic control units (ECUs)
A key advantage of this material is its ability to replace die-cast aluminum, enabling:
- weight reduction
- increased design flexibility
- lower system costs
- reduced carbon footprint
Importantly, the compound remains compatible with established processes like:
- laser welding
- heat staking
This compatibility lowers barriers to adoption for automotive manufacturers transitioning from metal to advanced polymers.
Optical materials enabling next-generation sensing
As vehicles adopt more sophisticated sensing and connectivity systems, optical materials are becoming increasingly critical.
Sabic introduced Extem RH1017UCL resin, an optical thermoplastic designed for:
- high-temperature resistance
- compatibility with lead-free reflow soldering
- optical clarity and stability
This material is suited for applications such as:
- driver monitoring systems
- gesture recognition sensors
- high-speed optical connectivity in vehicle electronics
These systems require materials that can maintain optical performance under thermal and environmental stress—an area where traditional materials often fall short.
High-performance polymers for advanced lighting systems
Automotive lighting is also undergoing rapid transformation, particularly with the rise of digital matrix LED systems.
Sabic highlighted its Ultem resins, which can withstand temperatures up to:
- 230°C
These materials support complex lighting architectures by offering:
- reduced weight
- low outgassing
- compatibility with direct metallization
Applications include:
- lens barrels
- reflectors
- brackets
- optical spacers
In addition, Sabic showcased an illuminated front grille using LNP Elcres SLX1271D copolymer, which enables:
- UV-resistant, high-gloss surfaces
- paint-free molded-in color
- optimized light diffusion for backlit designs
This reflects a growing trend in automotive design where lighting and exterior styling are increasingly integrated.
Replacing metal in EV battery protection systems
Another key area of focus was metal-to-plastic conversion, particularly in electric vehicle (EV) battery systems.
Sabic presented an energy absorber made from Noryl GTX resin, designed for use in:
- rocker panels
- battery protection structures
This material offers:
- improved low-temperature ductility
- high stiffness at elevated temperatures
- impact resistance across a wide temperature range
Compared to traditional materials, Noryl GTX can replace:
- metal
- polyamide
while enabling:
- weight reduction
- simplified manufacturing via injection molding
- greater design flexibility
The demonstrator featured a honeycomb structure, showcasing how thermoplastics can achieve both lightweight design and structural performance in safety-critical applications.
A broader shift toward multi-functional, sustainable materials
Sabic’s latest material portfolio highlights a clear direction in automotive engineering.
Future materials are expected to deliver multiple functions simultaneously, including:
- structural performance
- thermal management
- electrical shielding
- optical clarity
- environmental sustainability
At the same time, regulatory pressure and industry goals are accelerating the use of:
- recycled content
- low-emission manufacturing processes
- recyclable material systems
Sabic’s focus on PCR-based compounds and paint-free solutions reflects this shift toward circular and low-impact material strategies.
The bottom line
The materials introduced by Sabic at PIAE 2026 demonstrate how rapidly the role of polymers is evolving in automotive design.
By combining:
- recycled content
- multi-functional performance
- compatibility with existing manufacturing processes
- capability to replace metals
these materials are helping automakers meet increasingly complex requirements across ADAS, EVs, and smart vehicle systems.
As vehicles become more electrified, connected, and autonomous, the importance of advanced materials will only grow—and suppliers that can deliver both performance and sustainability will play a central role in shaping the next generation of mobility.