Does Ford use any sustainable materials?
Ford has always been a company pushing forward new technology developments. This is true for all aspects of the manufacturing process. So does Ford use any sustainable materials? The company has just entered an interesting partnership that helps answer this question.
New Ford Bioplastics Partnership
Ford has just entered a partnership with tequila manufacturer Jose Cuervo. The goal of this partnership is to develop new bioplastic materials that will be used in the production of Ford vehicles.
Everything starts with the agave plant. The heart of this plant is distilled as part of the tequila producing process. However, the rest of the plant is not used. The remaining plant fibers are usually composted or simply discarded. This new partnership will make use of this waste material. Ford will use the agave fibers to develop new bioplastic materials.
Read More: Learn all about the new F-150 EcoBoost engine
Bioplastics are advantageous over traditional petrochemicals for a number of reasons. The obvious positive is the environmental impact. Using natural materials is more environmentally friendly than using oil-based plastics. But this is more than just a green initiative, bioplastics can help reduce vehicle weight and energy consumption.
This is not the first time Ford has invested in sustainable materials such as bioplastics. The company first began looking into these technologies in 2000. Ford now uses many sustainable materials in the company’s manufacturing process. Some examples include castor oil, lenaf fiber, soy foam, wheat straw, cellulose, rice hulls and coconut fiber. Ford factories also utilize great numbers of recycled aluminum in the construction of trucks like the F-150.
Ford will continue to work to create vehicles that are as environmentally-friendly and efficient as possible. If you would like to see for yourself everything Ford has to offer, come on down to Akins Ford. We would be happy to show you one of our great Ford cars, trucks or crossovers.
