Technological innovations make a major contribution to the Group’s growth: they are supported by legislation which, on a global level, is increasingly restrictive in terms of polluting emissions (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx). Plastic Omnium is developing solutions to reduce such emissions using two principal levers: making vehicles lighter and more aerodynamic, and depollution systems.

Plastic Omnium is also conscious of the necessity to prepare for changes in the car industry, and is positioning itself in the area of hydrogen-propulsion and fuel cell vehicles. Thus, in September 2016, Plastic Omnium announced the formation of a start-up with the Israeli company ELBIT Systems in the field of fuel cells and supercapacitors, Ξ-POCellTech. Plastic Omnium’s know-how is being combined with the developments already made by ELBIT Systems of a fuel cell with very low precious metal content, and of a new range of supercapacitors.

At the Paris Motor Show in October 2016, the Group also presented a high-pressure hydrogen storage prototype capable of providing great autonomy with a recharge time of only 3 minutes, compared to several hours for electric vehicles.

Finally, the Group has announced the construction of an Advanced Research and Innovation Center focused on new energies, Δ-Deltatech. Based in Brussels, it is due to open in 2019, it will employ 200 engineers and will require an investment of €50 million.