Ford Motor Co., pursuing its social responsibilities, has come up with soy-based rubber fillers and plastics. These bio-based materials are capable of undergoing biodegradation within a period of 90 to 120 days in comparison to conventional petroleum based plastic. This is not their first venture into bio-based materials. In 2007, they came up with soy-based foam seat cushions, which till date succeeded in curbing around 5 million pounds of green house gas emission. Soy-based rubber fillers will replace petroleum-based fillers as door seals, floor mats, gaskets and splash shields.
Broadening the horizon:
In a quest to refrain itself from soy dependency, Ford Motor’s is planning to diversify the bio material used for vehicle interiors. They are in a pursuit of replacing glass fibers used to strengthen plastic auto parts with natural fiber composites. A step further towards eco success is their eco friendly, easily biodegradable plastic, derived completely from plant products such as corn, sugarbeet, sugarcane, switchgrass and polylactic acid.
For increased fuel efficiency, the company is making use of nano technology to create nano- filler materials. Other bio sources used by Ford are recycled and reassembled ebony wood, soda bottles, resins from discarded detergent bottles, tires and battery casings. The 2010 Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids will use seat fabrics made of 100 percent recycled yarns. All these efforts will reduce energy consumption by 64% and green house gas emission by 60 %.
According to research unveiled at 2009 Ward’s Auto Interior Conference, a quarter of U.S adults are preferring eco friendly products and are more loyal towards socially responsible companies.
Via: GreenBiz