Hybrid-Acoustics PET sets new standards for sustainable noise protection

Lighter, quieter and more environmentally-friendly vehicles ‒ this is what Hybrid-Acoustics PET from Autoneum stands for. The product innovation for the engine bay is not only characterized by its lightweight construction and noise protection optimized for electric vehicles, it also convinces through sustainability: Components made of Hybrid-Acoustics PET consist entirely of PET, which is largely obtained from recycled fibers, and thus meet customer demand for environmentally-friendly mobility solutions.

With Hybrid-Acoustics PET, Autoneum has adapted its textile interior technology Hybrid-Acoustics for use in the engine compartment. The patented innovation is based on a unique fiber material that acts as an insulator and absorber at the same time. Among others, Hybrid-Acoustics PET is used to encapsulate electric motors, thereby reducing noise directly at the source and particularly attenuating high-frequency sounds of the electric drive unit. This key technology accordingly ensures optimum noise protection in the passenger cabin and greater driving comfort.

At the same time, components made of Hybrid-Acoustics PET convince with their low weight. Compared to conventional insulators, they are up to 40 percent lighter and thereby contributing to a greater driving range. They are also flameproof and find application as powertrain-mounted insulators for combustion engines thanks to their temperature resistance of up to 180°C. The parts, which consist to a large extent of recycled PET fibers, are produced waste-free and are completely recyclable – an outstanding life cycle assessment compared to equivalent components in the engine bay. Hybrid-Acoustics PET therefore exemplifies Autoneum’s commitment as part of its Advance Sustainability Strategy 2025 to continuously improve the environmental performance of its product portfolio and thus contribute to a resource-efficient mobility.

Starting in spring 2020, e-motor encapsulations made of Hybrid-Acoustics PET are being produced for various new electric models of a Swedish car manufacturer at the Company’s Taicang plant in China (Jiangsu province). In addition, Autoneum will supply engine-mounted parts to various French and Japanese vehicle models with combustion engines from its site in Valldoreix, Spain.