Plasnomic announced today that it will initiate an industry-first pilot program focused on one of the largest untapped repair opportunities in collision repair: textured plastic parts.
The pilot will be launched in collaboration with industry partners including 3M, 4Plastic, Mirka, PPG, Polyvance and SEM.
“This pilot represents a major step forward for the collision repair industry,” said Mario Dimovski, President of Plasnomic and Head of the Plasnomic Global Council. “Textured parts are being replaced every day when many could potentially be repaired. By bringing the industry together and technically validating products and processes, we can create a trusted framework that supports repair-first decisions, profitability and sustainability.”
According to industry research, more than 95% of textured plastic parts are replaced, many with only minor scratches or repairable damage. At the same time, textured parts are becoming higher-value components, with some small wheel arch moldings selling for more than $300 and some lower bumper covers now costing more than the main bumper cover itself.
Plasnomic said this is adding further pressure to repair costs at a time when average repair ticket prices continue to rise due to factors such as advanced driver-assistance systems complexity, parts inflation and skilled labor shortages.
The Textured Parts Repair Pilot will bring together leading collision repair groups, insurers, suppliers and industry partners to validate practical repair methods, evaluate repair opportunities and measure commercial and sustainability outcomes.
As part of the pilot, Plasnomic will test products currently available in the market. In line with Plasnomic’s technical evaluation process, products will undergo practical repair testing and lab-based assessment to determine performance, adhesion, weathering, durability, finish quality, texture appearance and repair consistency.
The pilot aims to help collision repairers create more repair opportunities for technicians and painters at a time when claim volumes, repair economics and rising part costs remain under pressure. By adding skilled labor operations instead of defaulting to new part replacement, shops can improve gross profit, reduce parts spend, support repair-first outcomes and strengthen overall business performance.
Participating partners will help evaluate:
• Product and repair process performance, including technician usability
• Repair categories, from cosmetic refinish to more complex plastic repair prior to refinish
• Standardized workflows that support consistent shop execution
• Pricing strategy, labor identification and labor allocation best practices
• Training requirements and industry-adoptable technician guidance
• Cycle time, profitability and sustainability outcomes
• Plastic waste diversion and broader environmental impact
Plasnomic said the pilot also represents a major environmental opportunity, as every successful repair helps keep plastic parts out of landfill.
Plasnomic welcomes feedback, referrals and collaboration from Plasnomic Global Council members and industry stakeholders interested in helping shape the future of textured plastic repair.
About Plasnomic
Plasnomic is an industry-leading plastic repair authority focused on advancing repair-first strategies, best practices, product validation, training, certification and sustainability across the global collision repair industry.
