Hauliers could achieve significant reductions on their annual fuel bill by substituting trailer panels with lightweight materials.
That’s the message from Panel Systems, a Sheffield-based supplier of products such as Thermhex, a lightweight alternative to plywood made from polypropylene honeycomb core material, and Styrofoam, which has been used for many years in the construction industry.
As well as improving fuel economy, Panel Systems points out that lightweighting can help to reduce CO2 emissions – crucial, given the EU targets of 15% less CO2 emissions from trucks by 2025, and at least a 30% decrease by 2030.
Heavy plywood core panels are used as the sides and floors of many dry freight vehicles, it says, but firms are seeking lighter alternatives.
“There is an increasing need to reduce the weight of trailers and, in turn, improve efficiency. Thermhex and Styrofoam are being used more regularly to manufacture vehicles instead,” says a spokesperson.“When you are talking about the big areas of a truck side and roof, this would be extremely advantageous for saving weight. It goes without saying that there would be significant fuel savings.”
