Using soy oil to replace 25 percent of the petroleum oil used in the foam for car seats and headliners, Ford has been pioneering eco-materials research. The soy oil foam rubber is more stretchable and less polluting than its petroleum-based cousin.
Ford’s biomaterial researchers have also developed a soy oil-based rubber that can be used to make deflector shields and baffles, cupholders and floormats. The patent-pending rubber will join soy oil foam as a standard Ford eco-construction component. Ford has even more soy innovations in the works.
Veggie-Based Car Parts
Ford Uses Soy Oil Foam and Plastics in Auto Construction
Trend Themes
1. Soy-based Materials - The use of soy oil in car construction as an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based materials.
2. Biomaterial Innovation - Developing new materials using natural resources like soy oil for a more sustainable automotive industry.
3. Eco-conscious Manufacturing - Exploring innovative ways to incorporate environmentally-friendly materials in car production processes.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - Opportunities for automakers to adopt soy-based materials in their manufacturing processes for more sustainable vehicles.
2. Bio-based Materials - The bio-based materials industry could benefit from the use of soy oil in the creation of eco-friendly products.
3. Sustainable Manufacturing - The trend towards using eco-friendly materials like soy oil presents opportunities for companies in the sustainable manufacturing sector.