Today, automotive textiles are expected to contribute to recyclability, shape retention, UV resistance, and dimensional stability, while also reducing weight and volatile organic compound (VOC) content.

Indeed, there is significant potential for these innovative adhesives to demonstrate their value, considering that the car contains approximately 20 meters of fabric. This fabric is found in areas such as footwells, parcel shelves, and extends to the trunk and wheel wells.

Automotive textiles used for thermal binders, carpets, seat belts, and tire cords must meet safety, insulation, and acoustic requirements without compromising style or comfort. Additionally, they must adhere to stringent industry standards and adapt to changing consumer preferences, such as enhanced durability and protection against odors, to increase a vehicle's resale potential.

Despite changing market demands, thermoformable adhesives have proven to be a crucial component of high-performance automotive textiles. For instance, in needle-punched and tufted carpets, these adhesives enhance strength and abrasion resistance, even under a wide range of climatic conditions. This is one of the key reasons why leading automotive textile suppliers are increasingly adopting this technology.

They are likely to do so as the global automotive industry expands. James Kennedy, Trinseo's industrial textiles manager, explains, “As the automotive market is projected to double by 2020, new developments in automotive textiles will remain a crucial aspect of the industry.”