Ford wants to use CO2-based foam, plastic in vehicles
Ford says it's the first automaker to formulate and test new foam and plastic components partially made from a carbon dioxide (CO2) feedstock.
Formulated with as much as 50 per cent CO2-based polyols, Ford says "the foam is showing promise" as a viable option in automotive applications.
The automaker envisions the foam being used in seating and under-hood applications.
"Ford is working aggressively to lower its environmental impact by reducing its use of petroleum-based plastic and foam," Debbie Mielewski, Ford senior technical leader of sustainability, said in a statement.
"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."
Sustainable materials are nothing new for Ford, with soy foam, coconut fiber and recycled tires, clothing and plastic bottles used throughout its North American vehicle lineup.
"At Ford, we're aggressively developing new, more sustainable ways to produce high-quality products, with an eye toward preserving and improving our world," said Mielewski.
Researchers expect to see the new biomaterials in production vehicles within five years, according to Ford.
