Plastic Omnium (Levallois, France) has launched production of its first all-thermoplastic rear-opening module to equip the new Peugeot 308. Designed in the ∑-Sigmatech research and development center in Lyon and produced in two plants in France – Langres (Haute-Marne) and Fontaine (Territoire de Belfort) – the tailgate weighs 12 kg, or 3 kg less than the equivalent product made of steel. In addition, the new tailgate offers carmakers greater freedom of design and is entirely recyclable.

The all-thermoplastic tailgate represents a further improvement to Plastic Omnium's range of rear-opening modules, which also includes thermoset composite tailgates and hybrid tailgates made with thermosetting resins and thermoplastics. This innovation makes for a comprehensive offering of products suited to carmakers with diverse design and weight reduction needs.

Plastic Omnium will produce more than one million tailgates worldwide in 2013 and plans to double the revenue generated by this product line over the next five years. With the new tailgate, Plastic Omnium has reaffirmed its commitment to developing vehicle weight-reduction solutions with the goal of helping carmakers to attain the strictest environmental standards in the area of carbon emissions.