Over the past several years, has Ford worked with suppliers to evaluate the viability of using bamboo in vehicle interiors and to make extra strong parts by combining it with plastic. The team has found that bamboo performs comprehensively better than other tested synthetic and natural fibers in a range of materials tests, from tensile strength tests to impact strength tests. It’s also been heated to more than 212 ˚F Fahrenheit to ensure it can maintain its integrity. The benefits of bamboo have been recognized for more than a century—Thomas Edison even experimented with it when making the first light bulb. In building, its tensile strength is well known, as it can rival or even better some types of metal. And, because it grows to full maturity in just two to five years—compared to up to decades for other trees—bamboo also regenerates easily. While tests on bamboo continue, Ford is already making use of sustainable and recycled materials. The company recently announced it is working with Jose Cuervo to explore the use of the tequila producer’s agave plant byproduct to develop more sustainable bioplastics to employ in Ford vehicles. Ford uses several sustainable materials including: Kenaf, a tropical plant in the cotton family, is used in the door bolsters of Ford Escape. REPREVE fabric, made from recycled plastic bottles, diverts more than 5 million plastic bottles from landfill annually. Ford most recently introduced REPREVE in F-150. Post-consumer cotton from denim and T-shirts is used as interior padding and sound insulation in most Ford vehicles. EcoLon post-consumer nylon carpeting is used as cylinder head covers in Ford Escape, Fusion, Mustang and F-150. Recycled plastic bottles are becoming floor carpeting, wheel liners and shields in several vehicles including Ford Transit and C-MAX. Recycled post-consumer tires are used in seals and gaskets. Rice hulls are used to reinforce plastic in Ford F-150 electrical harness. Soy-based foams are used as seat cushions, seatbacks and head restraints in Ford’s North American vehicle lineup. Wheat straw is used in Ford Flex to reinforce storage bins. Cellulose tree fibers are used in the armrest of Lincoln MKX. Used to replace glass-filled plastic, this industry-first material weighs 10 percent less, is produced 30 percent faster, and reduces carbon emissions.
Car manufacturer Ford is working with bamboo to integrate bamboo into its cars . The fast - growing plant is renowned for its impressive tensile strength and ability to withstand fierce heat . Ford has a history of using sustainable materials , from recycled plastics to synthetic carpeting to Soy - based materials for seats , and recently worked with tequila producer Jose Cuervo to explore sustainability of its bamboo plant byproduct .