According to a press release issued earlier today by Ford, the automaker is the first in the industry to formulate and test new foam components made from 50 percent CO2-based polyols. The new biomaterial shows promise, already meeting rigorous automotive standards, and Ford expects it to be used in underhood and seating applications within the next five years. Using the new materials could help Ford reduce its petroleum usage by more than 600 million pounds annually.
“Ford is working aggressively to lower its environmental impact by reducing its use of petroleum-based plastic and foam,” said Debbie Mielewski, Ford senior technical leader of sustainability. “This technology is exciting because it is contributing to solving a seemingly insurmountable problem – climate change. We are thrilled to be leading the charge toward reducing carbon emissions and the effects of climate change.”
For almost twenty years, Ford has been using sustainable alternatives in its vehicles. Recycled t-shirts and denim are used in vehicle carpeting, recycled tires are used in mirror gaskets and recycled plastic water bottles are used to make REPREVE seat fabric for the 2016 F-150.
".@Ford Turning Captured CO2 Into Car Parts, Expanding Healthcare Outreach in Africa https://t.co/wt7GZECo2x"
— Sustainable Brands (@SustainBrands) May 17, 2016