Ford Fusion Energi Testing Recycled Plastic Coke Bottles for Seats

FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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is partnering with Coca-Cola to research the use of recycled, plant-based plastic bottles for the interior of the FusionFord Fusion Gen.2United States of America, 2012 > present30 versions
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Energi plug-in hybrid. The car is on display at the LA Auto Show.

The recycled, plant-based plastic is spun into fabric with a further 30% of plant-based material for the seat cushions, seat backs, head restraints, door panel inserts and headliners.

“By using PlantBottle Technology in a plug-in hybrid, Ford and Coca-Cola are showing the broad potential to leverage renewable materials that help replace petroleum and other fossil fuels, reducing the overall environmental impact of future vehicles,” said John Viera, global director of sustainability and vehicle environmental matters at Ford.

Ford already uses recycled plastics in the fabrics and carpets in some of its cars, but Coca-Cola’s PlantBottle containers replace some of the petroleum used in normal plastic production with plant fibers. It has been selling the PlantBottle containers since 2009 in 28 countries, and Coke estimates that it has saved 400,000 barrels of oil.

“This collaboration with Ford demonstrates that PlantBottle Technology can be applied anywhere PET plastic is traditionally used, but with a lighter footprint on the planet,” said Scott Vitters, general manager, PlantBottle packaging platform, The Coca-Cola Company.