Two million plastic bottles recycled for car seat fabric

[ALS]

The seat fabric, called Repreve, is a polyester fiber made from recycled materials.

Chris Woodyard - USATODAY - January 7, 2012

Ford is finding a new use for about two million plastic bottles.

They were ground up and used to make the fabrics that go into the upholstery on car seats. The average Ford with seats made from the material goes through 22 recycled plastic bottles.

Wieck "Ford is committed to delivering vehicles with leading fuel efficiency while targeting at least 25% clean technology in interior materials across our lineup," says Carol Kordich, lead designer of Sustainable Materials for Ford."

Ford says about 29% of plastic bottles are recycled, half the rate of Europe.

The seat fabric, called Repreve, is a polyester fiber made from recycled materials. To underscore its effort, Ford plans to show how it can recycle plastic bottles from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week and put it towards its effort.... [Read More]

[rfruth]

Yea !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wick1ert]

It may just be me and luck of articles I see, but it sure feels like Ford is using a lot more recycled materials in their vehicles than other manufacturers. I find this commendable, especially when you consider how many plastic bottles are thrown out each year. If we can find way to recycle and reuse them, that's an excellent use for them.

I typically purchase 1 case of bottled water a year, and it's for those rare instances where they may be needed because the reusable ones don't work well. The plastic one in my fridge usually gets refilled many times.

[EdwinTheMagnificent]

I applaud Ford for recycling AND for having the gumption to brag about it. I personally think it's a great idea , but some people may not want to sit on what they consider to be a seat made of "trash". I mean , what would their neighbours think ? Ford is showing a lot of courage in these last few years and I like that. They've come a long way since my (horrible) 73 Pinto station wagon. I'm kicking myself for not buying their stock when it was $2.50 in Dec 09.
I would almost buy a Fiesta this year. But next year's offerings , like all manufacturers , will be even better.
Are we living in a Golden Age of Automobiles , or what ?

[uRabbit]

What's that? 22 bottles for all the seats in the vehicle? Is that right?

29% of all bottles are recycled? And twice that in Europe? Ugh! Despicable!

And yes, Big Blue rocks. Now, if only they'd bring the diesel Fiesta here, I wouldn't have to dream of one day owning a VW Golf 5-door diesel for $30,000. >.<