Ford motors will use kenaf plant fiber material for interior door bolsters for the new Escape model.
Kenaf is blended with polypropylene in a 50-50 mixture which will reduce the weight of the door components by 25% when compared to the conventional materials.
The door bolsters for Ford will be manufactured by International Automotive Components (IAC) in
The new Escape will also feature other eco-friendly materials that include soy foam that will appear in the seats and head restraints, whereas the recycled plastic bottles and other post consumer materials will join the other carpeting material.
The car also features 10lbs of scrap cotton from the manufacturing of denim jeans and recycled tires comprise other sources of reclaimed elements for the vehicle.
Ford said that the new Escape will be 85% recyclable when it reaches end-of-life.