Even when they substitute other lightweight material (e.g. aluminium) composites typically reduce weight with as much as 30 – 40 percent. In boats and land vehicles, this means considerable reduction of fuel costs and extended operational range. Also, the fact that composite materials often can be produced with less assembly work (e.g. welding and riveting) per unit means that energy can be saved – as does the modest level of repair and maintenance. The CO2 emissions generated by composites during destruction by incineration are by a generous margin compensated by the savings during the other phases of the life cycle.
