1: Technology utilizing plant-based materials in production of cars

• Ford was the first car manufacture to use soy-based foam in seat cushions and backs
• Renewable Materials include:
  • soybeans, cotton, wood, flax, jute, and natural rubber
• Use of these materials helps to create a new market and additional revenue for of agricultural products
• Current primary use of renewable’s in the car industry is in soy foam, plant oil applications, and natural-fiber-reinforced plastics

2: Problem Renewable Materials Solve

• Technology leads to a reduction of:
  • carbon dioxide emissions
  • vehicle weight; leading to fuel efficiency and lower emissions
  • petroleum use
  • energy needed in manufacturing process
  • commodity & production costs
• Soy foam use at Ford has reduced petroleum use by 15 million pounds
• Plant-based castor oil reduces scrap in production due to improved flow and reduces production time by 40%
• Use of Kenaf, a tropical plant, reduces the weight of a Ford Escape door by 25%

3: Plant-Based Vehicle Production Stakeholders

• Car manufactures; Ford, etc
• Consumers of vehicles
• Farmers and other suppliers of the plant material
• Partnerships for future development with other organizations:
  • Bioplastic Feedstock Alliance
  • Plant PET Technology Collaboration
  • Heinz Company
  • Ohio State University Research Center

4: Implementing Renewable Material Technology

• Test sustainable bio material for durability, safety, and performance
• Once tests prove that material is reliable as a “no-compromise” solution then development of mass production capability should be executed
• Educating the public and cross-sharing the knowledge with other manufactures will help to spread awareness and lead to a behavior change in the automotive industry

Article: https://corporate.ford.com/microsites/sustainability-report-2014-15/environment-products-materials-choosing-renewable.html