Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE), a leading global chemical and specialty materials company, has garnered significant accolades at the 54th annual Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Innovation Awards Competition and Gala, which took place on November 5th in Livonia, Michigan. The event highlighted the transformative role of plastics in enhancing automotive design, sustainability, and performance, underscoring Celanese's commitment to innovation in the automotive sector.

2. Award-Winning Innovations

Celanese's innovative materials, Zytel® PA66 and Celcon® POM, received prestigious awards in their respective categories, showcasing their application in advanced mobility solutions. The company’s collaborations with major automotive players have resulted in groundbreaking designs that set new industry standards.

Body Interior Category Winner: Power Sliding Console

A standout innovation was the Power Sliding Console developed in partnership with Ford Motor Company for the 2025 Expedition. This advanced design not only optimizes functionality but also supports sustainability goals with key features, including:

Best-in-Class Hidden Storage: With a total capacity of 32.4 liters, the console provides accessibility in both open and closed positions.

Weight Reduction: By replacing metal with plastic, the design achieves a remarkable 20% reduction in weight, enhancing storage and system efficiency.

Cost Efficiency: The console's design features 50% fewer components, leading to significant cost reductions in manufacturing.

Sustainability: The use of recycled polypropylene (GF+TD)35 and Celanese Celcon® M90 POM contributes to the company’s environmental objectives, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable materials.

Body Exterior Category Winner: Self-Sealing Pin & Grommet Bumper Retainer

In another notable achievement, Celanese and Nifco America Corp., in collaboration with Toyota, introduced the Self-Sealing Pin & Grommet Bumper Retainer for the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia. This innovative part includes:

Integrated Seal Design: The umbrella-shaped plastic seal eliminates the need for foam and manual assembly, streamlining production.

Enhanced Recyclability: By reducing component count, the design improves recyclability and lowers overall costs.

Support for Sustainability Initiatives: This product is pivotal in supporting Toyota’s Circular Factory Initiative, allowing for end-of-life recycling and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Mass Production Feasibility: Already in mass production, this innovation is expected to be implemented in future Toyota models, reinforcing the collaborative effort towards sustainability.

Chassis/Thermal Category Finalist: Integrated Coolant Temperature Sensor

A finalist in the Chassis/Thermal category, Celanese, alongside General Motors and Cooper Standard, developed an Integrated Coolant Temperature Sensor within a plastic quick connector for the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq. This pioneering solution showcases:

Cost and Weight Reduction: Achieving over 30% lower piece costs and a 10% weight reduction compared to traditional designs.

Manufacturing Efficiency: The design simplifies manufacturing processes by reducing the need for inline connectors and associated tooling investments.

Reliability and Sustainability: Enhanced reliability and a commitment to sustainable practices are hallmarks of this innovative solution.

3. Commitment to Innovation

Todd Elliott, Senior Vice President of Engineered Materials at Celanese, emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving innovation: “Innovation begins with collaboration, and at Celanese, that means working side by side with our customers to unlock new possibilities as we design for the future. These award-winning applications demonstrate how advanced material solutions help engineers design the smarter, more sustainable, and high-performing vehicles of tomorrow.”

4. Conclusion

Celanese's recognition at the SPE Automotive Innovation Gala not only highlights its significant contributions to the automotive industry but also reinforces its commitment to sustainability and innovation. With more than 11,000 employees worldwide and a strong focus on creating value through advanced material solutions, Celanese continues to set the standard for excellence in chemistry and specialty materials, shaping the future of automotive design.

Original press release