Assessing the impact of all uses of epoxy resins would be very challenging but it is however possible to focus on the five sectors which are most important from a strategic and economic point of view:^[2]

Energy and electrical: Around 50% of the current wind turbine market uses epoxies as  infusion resins for the manufacturing of blades, providing them strength, durability and lighter weight. Epoxy resins make it possible to produce long wind turbine blades, thus increasing the EU’s renewable energy production and exports. Epoxy resins in energy distribution systems – sealants, coatings, adhesives, transformers, insulators, printed circuit boards and many others – contribute to long-lasting and reliable components. Without epoxies, electric systems would cost more, break more often and generate larger amounts of waste.

Construction: Often used in small quantities, epoxies enable many internal and external construction activities. Millions of large and small enterprises across Europe enjoy the use of epoxy resins in easy-to-clean flooring, resistant and affordable mechanical fixings, etc. Epoxies increase flexibility for interior designers and builders while lowering initial costs as well as maintenance.

Transport: Cathodic Electro Disposition (CED) allows cars, trucks and motorcycles to last longer than ever, making bodyworks more resistant to deterioration and rust. For under the hood and interior parts, epoxy-based composites lower weight and increase mechanical strength, reducing maintenance needs, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The use of epoxy resins ensures that the European vehicle manufacturing industry remains competitive and produces affordable cars. Railways apply epoxies to replace steel in gear casings and other parts to reduce weight, and improve service life by preventing damage from debris or corrosion. Similarly, epoxy provides excellent corrosion resistance which reduces the need for repair and maintenance in boats. In the aircraft industry, epoxies allow for greater use of composite components, improving durability, efficiency, strength and reliability.  Due to the overall weight saving in Airbus A350-900s in operation with EU airlines to the overall weight saving attributable to epoxy resins (as compared to aluminium), less fuel is used, which is equitable to saving some 14 million tonnes of CO2 aircraft emissions in 2019.

Food and water: Epoxies are applied to food cans to prevent corrosion and prolong shelf-life, resulting in the production of a smaller quantity of food waste. Other packaging materials – such as glass – would result in higher prices for consumers. In processing machines, epoxies shield foods from being tainted and vice versa, improving hygiene standards and lowering maintenance costs. Epoxy resins prevent corrosion and leaks in steel and concrete composite pipes and tanks. Without epoxy resins, road works to fix water pipe damage would last longer and cause greater traffic jams.

Home and leisure: Epoxy resins reduce weight, increase responsiveness and extend product lifetime in a number of sports kits fabricated in Europe. They are also sold as sealants, adhesives and mortars to repair wood and plastic resulting in strong, durable and resistant repair joints. You can read more about how to correctly handle epoxy resins in our Consumer Safety section.