Plastics and rubber are prime examples of efficiency. Insulating materials made of polymers protect against cold and heat. Their use saves more oil than is required to make them a great deal. Replacing metal with plastics makes cars and aircraft lighter. Lightweight construction saves fuel and conserves resources. Tyres made of advanced rubber blends reduce the rolling resistance and fuel consumption. For more than one hundred years, plastics and rubber have stood for endless new applications with the power to inspire and fascinate. Just a few decades ago, the innovative highlights were packaging film, cable sheaths and single-use syringes. Today they are micromouldings for heart catheters or prosthetics produced by 3D printing. In addition. the materials play a key role in expanding renewable energy sources.
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