Ford Using Kenaf Plant to Build New Escape's Doors

Ford has already announced that it is using recycled materials for the interior of the new Escape, but it is taking that one step further by announcing it using the kenaf plant, a relative of cotton, to produce portions of the doors on the new Escape. The kenaf will replace materials that had been oil-based. Ford estimates that this will use 300,000lbs less oil-based resin a year and reduces the door's weight by 25%.

The kenaf replaces the door bolster material. Technically, there is still oil-based material in the door. The kenaf is mixed 50-50 with polypropylene.

Kenaf is renewable and grows similar to bamboo. It grows about 3.5m a year and requires very little fertilizer or pesticide to grow.