Society of Plastics Engineers names INEOS Styrolution and Volkswagen Group as 2022 Automotive Innovation Hall of Fame Award Winners for designing the first mold-in-color weatherable grille

• INEOS Styrolution’s, Luran S® ASA recognized as 2022 Automotive Innovation Hall of Fame award winner by the Automotive Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)

Society of Plastics Engineers named the first mold-in-color weatherable grille, used on the 1987 Volkswagen Golf, made possible with Luran S ASA from INEOS Styrolution, as the 2022 Automotive Innovation Hall of Fame winner. The innovative application of using pre-colored plastic resins in the injection molding process, became a game-changer in vehicle front grille design, replacing painted materials and creating an industry standard on over 300 million exterior parts including grilles, mirrors, spoilers, fog bezels, pillars, and many more. 

Held on November 2, 2022 in Livonia, Michigan, the 51st annual Automotive Innovation Awards Gala is the oldest recognition event in the automotive and plastics industries. The prestigious event is the largest competition of its kind in the world and typically draws over 700 OEM engineers, automotive and plastics industry executives, and media.

INEOS Styrolution America, Vice President Specialties, Tom Warren says, “Luran S continues to be at the forefront of automotive design. It has helped to shape our current industry standards for vehicle design and now for environmental-savings as well. From enhancing vehicle safety and performance to environmental benefits like lightweighting for lower emissions and extended battery range, Luran S continues to rise to the challenges of today’s industry. Thank you, Society of Plastics Engineers for this fabulous honor.”

To qualify for the Hall of Fame Award, the recipient must have an application that has been in continuous use for 15 years or more, and has made a significant and lasting contribution to the application of plastics in automotive vehicles

“I have been selling Luran S into the automotive industry since 1995 and I am very proud of the growth and market leadership this material has achieved. It is truly an honor to be recognized by the Society of Plastics Engineers with the Hall of Fame award”, states INEOS Styrolution America, Business Development Manager, Automotive, John Fialka.

The use of Luran S ASA has changed the automotive market for front grilles and has withstood the test of time for more than 30 years. The material continues to provide excellent weatherability, enhanced impact performance after UV exposure, and a cost savings benefit of 25-35 percent per part. Additionally, there are environmental benefits including a significant reduction of CO2 and VOC, energy usage and greenhouse gases by implementing a paint-free exterior surface for vehicles. ASA also offers excellent dimensional stability, stiffness, and weight savings for larger exterior grilles.