Ford and Coca-Cola unveil Fusion Energi with renewable PlantBottle interior
Ford has fitted a Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid with interior fabrics made from Coca-Cola’s plant-based PET technology, marking the first automotive use of the material.
Ford has unveiled a research version of its Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid featuring interior fabrics made from Coca-Cola’s PlantBottle technology. The vehicle, revealed ahead of the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, marks the first automotive use of the plant-based PET material outside of Coca-Cola’s own packaging. This collaboration highlights the potential for renewable materials to play a greater role in the automotive industry, particularly in reducing reliance on petroleum-based plastics.
Ford and Coca-Cola Join Forces for Sustainable Car Interiors
What Is PlantBottle Technology?
PlantBottle technology was introduced by Coca-Cola in 2009 as a more sustainable alternative to conventional PET plastic, which is widely used in bottles, fabrics, and carpets. PlantBottle replaces up to 30% of the petroleum-based content in PET plastic with material derived from plants, primarily sugarcane. This innovation allows for a significant reduction in the use of fossil fuels in plastic production, offering environmental benefits without compromising the performance or recyclability of the material.
Features of the Ford Fusion Energi Research Vehicle
The Ford Fusion Energi research car incorporates PlantBottle-based fabric throughout its interior. The material is used in seat cushions, seat backs, head restraints, the headliner, and door panels. By showcasing the use of this renewable fabric in a functional vehicle, Ford and Coca-Cola aim to demonstrate that plant-based plastics can meet the demanding requirements of automotive interiors.
- Seat cushions and backs made with PlantBottle fabric
- Head restraints, headliner, and door panels also use the renewable material
- Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid platform chosen for the demonstration
Origins of the Collaboration
The partnership between Ford and Coca-Cola stems from a broader 2012 agreement involving several major companies, including Heinz and Nike. The goal of this collaboration is to develop renewable alternatives to traditional plastics used in packaging and textiles. Until the Ford project, PlantBottle technology had only been used in Coca-Cola’s soft drink bottles. The research car represents the first time the technology has been adapted for use in automotive fabrics, signalling a step forward in the application of renewable materials beyond packaging.
Environmental Impact and Potential Benefits
Ford estimates that if PlantBottle-based fabrics were adopted across its vehicle range, it could replace four million pounds of petroleum-derived materials annually. This would result in savings of approximately 295,000 gallons of petrol and 6,000 barrels of oil each year. Additionally, Coca-Cola reports that its PlantBottle packaging has already saved more than 400,000 barrels of oil since its introduction in 2009. These figures highlight the significant potential for reducing the automotive industry’s environmental footprint through the use of renewable materials.
Broader Context: Ford’s Approach to Sustainability
Ford’s work with Coca-Cola is part of a broader strategy to incorporate sustainable materials into its vehicles. The company has previously introduced soy-based foam for seat cushions and used recycled plastics in various components. By exploring plant-based alternatives for interior fabrics, Ford is seeking to reduce its dependence on fossil-fuel-based materials and promote a more sustainable approach to car manufacturing.
If research efforts like this lead to wider adoption, there could be new opportunities for suppliers and fabric manufacturers to develop and supply plant-based materials for the automotive sector. This would not only benefit the environment but could also drive innovation in materials science and manufacturing processes.
Public Display and Industry Implications
The Ford Fusion Energi research vehicle with its PlantBottle interior was showcased to the public at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. By presenting the car at a major industry event, Ford and Coca-Cola aimed to raise awareness of the possibilities for renewable materials in car design. The project also serves as a signal to other automakers and suppliers that plant-based plastics can be viable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based materials.
While Ford has not announced immediate plans to introduce PlantBottle-based fabrics in its production models, the research car demonstrates the feasibility of using renewable PET in automotive interiors. As consumer and regulatory pressures for sustainability continue to grow, projects like this may encourage broader adoption of renewable materials across the industry.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Ford and Coca-Cola to develop renewable car fabrics using PlantBottle technology represents an important step toward more sustainable automotive manufacturing. By adapting a packaging innovation for use in vehicles, the project demonstrates the versatility and potential impact of plant-based plastics. As the automotive industry seeks to reduce its environmental impact, such partnerships could play a key role in shaping the materials of future vehicles.
