Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has developed a new interior surface material, combining PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) and cotton fibers as a new addition to the Green Plastic lineup, MMC’s original plant-based material technology. It will first be used for vehicle seats and plans to be commercially produced this summer.
Car interior surface materials had generally used petroleum-based materials such as PET fibers, due to its durability and flame retardant nature. This new material has knitted in cotton fiber, commonly used natural materials effective in regards to reduce CO2 and preserve oil resources, in to the PET fiber base. This material has been able to attain the standards required for automobile parts with its effective original structural design and a flame retardant treatment proper to characteristics of cotton fibers.
The material is able to be used not only for vehicle seats but also other areas such as in ceilings and trim surfaces. Due to the fact that cotton is an easily attainable fabric, this new material is expected in expanded usage through different car types from hereon.
Preliminary calculations showed that CO2 emission throughout the lifecycle (from attaining raw materials to disposal) has been reduced about 20% compared to conventional products (PET 100%).