The best low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) materials for automotive interiors are primarily Low-Emission Modified Polypropylene (PP), Ultra-Low Odor PC/ABS Alloys, and Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE/TPU). To meet stringent global standards like China’s GB/T 27630 and Germany’s VDA 278, these materials must be manufactured using vacuum devolatilization technologies and low-residual additives to minimize the release of harmful substances like benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde.
If you are an engineer or sourcing manager aiming to improve Vehicle Interior Air Quality (VIAQ), choosing the right resin is the first line of defense. Below, we break down the top material choices and the standards they must meet.
The Top 3 Materials for Low-Odor Interiors
Not all plastics are created equal. Standard industrial grades often contain residual monomers that “outgas” in heat, leading to the infamous (and potentially harmful) “new car smell.” Here are the specific material classes engineered for safety:
1. Low-Emission Modified PP (Polypropylene)
Best for: Door panels, pillar trims, center consoles. Polypropylene is the workhorse of automotive interiors. However, standard PP can release odors from thermal degradation during processing.
- The Solution: Look for “Clean PP” grades. These are produced using optimized catalyst systems and post-reactor devolatilization to remove volatile oligomers.
- Key Benefit: Low density (lightweight) combined with extremely low fogging values.
2. Ultra-Low Odor PC/ABS
Best for: Dashboard components, air vents, structural interior parts. PC/ABS offers superior impact resistance and aesthetics compared to PP, but it is traditionally harder to control for VOCs due to the Styrene monomer in ABS.
- The Solution: Advanced compounding techniques now allow for Low-VOC PC/ABS. At Kumho Sunny, we utilize specific stripping agents and vacuum extrusion technology to extract residual monomers effectively.
- Key Benefit: Maintains high heat resistance and ductility while meeting the strict “Grade 3.0 or lower” odor requirements.
Related Reading: Unsure if you need PC/ABS or PC/PBT? Check our sourcing guide on Material Selection here.
3. TPE/TPU (Thermoplastic Elastomers)
Best for: Cup holder liners, mats, soft-touch knobs. These are replacing traditional PVC, which often requires plasticizers that contribute heavily to VOCs and fogging.
- The Solution: TPEs are naturally free of plasticizers and halogens, making them an inherently lower-odor alternative for soft-touch applications.
Understanding the Global Standards (VIAQ)
Selecting a “low odor” material is meaningless without a testing standard. When specifying materials, you should require compliance with one of the following major regulatory frameworks:
- GB/T 27630 (China): Currently considered one of the strictest national standards globally. It limits the concentration of 8 specific hazardous substances (including Acetaldehyde, Benzene, and Xylene) in the vehicle cabin.
- VDA 270 / VDA 278 (Germany/Europe): The standard for German OEMs. VDA 270 tests for odor (smell test), while VDA 278 uses thermodesorption to measure VOC and FOG (fogging) values quantitatively.
- ISO 12219: The international standard for screening automotive interior parts for VOC emissions.
Why “Low VOC” Matters for Manufacturing
Choosing low VOC materials isn’t just about regulatory compliance; it also affects your manufacturing yield and final part quality.
High levels of volatiles in the resin don’t just smell bad—they can cause surface defects during the injection molding process. Excess gas trapped in the melt can lead to Silver Streaks (Splay) on the part surface.
- Reduced Defects: Cleaner materials mean fewer gas marks and better surface finish.
- Mold Maintenance: Low-outgassing materials reduce the buildup of mold deposits (plate-out), meaning less downtime for mold cleaning.
Technical Tip: Facing silver streaks in your current production? It might be moisture or volatiles. Read our Troubleshooting Guide for Injection Molding Defects.
Conclusion: Source Cleaner, Breathe Easier
As the automotive industry shifts towards “Health & Wellness” cockpits, the demand for low-VOC materials is non-negotiable.
At Kumho Sunny, we have developed a dedicated portfolio of Eco-friendly Low-VOC materials that pass the strictest OEM testing standards (including VW, GM, and Geely). We don’t just meet the limit; we aim for “Neutral Odor” to ensure the passenger experience is defined by comfort, not chemicals.
Need a material test report or a sample for VDA 270 testing?
Post time: Jan-21-2026